Ohhh this one will make you weepy at the end. I don’t usually enjoy a pregnancy trope but I actually really enjoyed this. Everyone was so sweet to each other and even in the most surprising circumstances they were all kind and supportive in their own ways.

Cute and sweet!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a perfect rom com! I laughed out loud so many times while reading! I love a book that makes me laugh and cry and feel all the feelings.
The book begins with a surprise pregnancy that is a result of a one night stand between Eve and Ethan. The story bring us through the entire pregnancy, with all the tiny (sometimes hilarious) details that a woman experiences. It is a funny and heartwarming story and I loved every second. This was my 1st book by this author but it will not be the last. Go read this book! You will not be disappointed!

Thank you for the ARC, NetGalley! I thought this book was really cute and an overall solid rom-com. The beginning was a bit slow, but once I got into the story, I flew through it in one sitting. The group of characters surrounding the FMC is just developed enough that you can get a sense of their journey and fall in love with each of their imperfections. I don't usually read this trope, but I enjoyed the FMC's journey, and the romance was very cute. It might just be because I don't usually read this trope, but it took me a while to empathize with the pregnancy motivation. The writing itself is very easy to read, it felt like you were completely immersed in the FMC's thoughts/stream of conscious, although there were times when it was strained to be the "cute, quirky girl."

Overall, I enjoyed this as a light boy-next-door, friends to lovers style book.

Receiving a copy of this book was super well-timed for me as I’m currently in my third trimester of my first pregnancy. I appreciated how accurately the author captured some of the emotions of pregnancy through Eve’s eyes. Shep was absolutely adorable and I loved the slow burn. Parts of the character development felt rushed/unfinished as several of the characters felt one-dimensional but I enjoyed this story as a cozy rom-com.

I LOVED this book for a women's fiction book, but for a romance? I felt it was lacking. I'd describe this as women's fiction with a side of romance. As women's fiction, it was easily a 5+ star read, but its romance was MAYBE 2.5 stars. If I were to weigh both components equally, then this would be a 3.75 star read, and I think that is an accurate rating. Cara Bastone's writing style is so unique, fresh, and unlike anything I've ever read before, and I loved every second of it. This is my first book of hers, and if her others are anything like this one, I will be working my way through her backlist immediately. And can we talk about that cover? It is GORGEOUS. The changing leaves, sweater weather... it perfectly captures autumn and its cozy vibes, but the book doesn't come out until February 2024. Missed opportunity, for sure.

The one night Eve allows herself to let loose and have a one night stand, she winds up pregnant. The only person who is there for her unconditionally from the beginning is her best friend's older brother, Shep (not the baby daddy), who she's starting to see in a new light. Split up by trimester, we follow Eve through her pregnancy, adapting to her changing hormones, body, and reality. That's basically it. That's the plot. This book is the definition of no plot, just vibes. And I was here for it. It is a slooooow burn romance with maybe one open door, not too descriptive sex scene.

I LOVED this cast of characters. I had a particular soft spot for Nurse Blank (i.e., Louise), though I do realize it is unprofessional for nurses to give patients their personal phone numbers. I loved Eve's friendship with Willa and how Willa shows up for Eve in the ways that she feels able to when it matters (even though it is hard for her). I want so badly for this to turn into a series so I don't have to leave them. Maybe Willa's book could be a marriage in crisis, since dealing with infertility and pregnancy loss takes a toll on a couple. And then for Ethan to find non-toxic, unconditional love as a single dad? I want to live in this fictional world. Cara Bastone writes about New York City in such a magical way, making me (almost) forget how much I find big cities to be too stressful, too loud, and too crowded.

As much as Shep is sweet and thoughtful, I thought he is almost TOO perfect. Seriously, the man has zero character flaws, translating to the personality of a piece of cardboard. He's boring. This might be okay if he were just a side character, but as a main character, I would expect more development and, well, issues. Not to mention, the side characters, like Eve's best friend Willa, are more complex than he is. It's like he only exists to be Eve's love interest. He comes off as pathetic, following people around like a lost puppy. To be clear, Shep is FINE (I'd rather him than an alphahole) but lacks depth. (Another point against him: he's blond.) The romance would have been so much more interesting if Eve had wound up with her baby daddy. Ethan has flaws for days (I seriously wanted to shake some sense into him for most of the book), which makes him multi-dimensional and complex. I also felt more chemistry and tension between the two (though there would be some serious other woman drama if he were the love interest). I didn't feel any romantic (or even sexual, oddly enough) chemistry between Eve and Shep. I didn't feel any butterflies in my stomach during any of their interactions. I did, however, like the bromance he and Ethan fall into by the end. It's rare to see this type of co-parenting setup in a romance book from the child's birth, and I think that dynamic (almost) makes up for the lackluster romance.

One final critique: I wish we had seen Willa's reaction to and interaction with the baby. I think that would have provided some necessary closure.

You NEED to read this book if you like:

🍂 no plot, just vibes 😎
🍂 found family
🍂 New York City (specifically Brooklyn) in the fall
🍂 he falls first
🍂 "it's always been you for me"
🍂 best friend's brother
🍂 surprise pregnancy (but he's not the baby daddy)
🍂 sloooooow burn, low spice

Thank you SO much to the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

This was the cutest little romance. I enjoyed it way more than I had anticipated. Loved the love story between the main characters and love a good happy ending.

How on earth can I convey the perfection that is this book? I honestly don’t know that I can do it justice so even if I fail just read it- ok? A surprise pregnancy certainly changes Eve’s life but it also affects those around her including her best friends and the one night stand turned father-to-be. Everything is messy and complicated because that is how life works but nothing ever verges into overly dramatic and no one is a villain. In fact every character is relatable and deserving of their book ( hint hint). There is so much warmth in this book mixed in with a dash of humor. and the romance is both incredibly sweet but comes with moments of major swoon. I really loved this book and will definitely be buying a physical copy for my shelf of favorites.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Ready of Not by Cara Bastone!

A comforting read filled with likeable characters and interesting settings. I really appreciated the emotional maturity throughout. A pleasure to read about well-adjusted characters, for a change.

Such a great read. 5 Stars.

I've been a big time fan of this author for a long time now and this book did not disappoint! Maybe I'm aging myself here but Ready or Not gave me those warm and fuzzy feelings I used to get from watching a great 90's rom-com for the first time. It was honestly like reading a fantastic Rom-Com movie! With great characters and a heartwarming storyline, I definitely picture myself reading this book again.

Eve is dealing with an unplanned pregnancy and all that comes with it when your a signal women in Brooklyn. Eve was funny, brave, charming, and so very realistic. The way she dealt with all the things going on her life just felt so believable and very relatable. I really enjoyed her relationship with Shep, whom is a long time friend. He was such a sweetheart and dependable friend at a time that Eve needed someone the most. To be honest, all the characters were great and I could really sympathize how everyone around Eve was handling this news of her expecting.
If you're looking for a book with likeable characters and a great setting I'd definitely give this one a try!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I picked this book based on the cover and description and Bastone's name didn't ring any bells at the time. But then I checked it out on goodreads after receiving an ARC (thanks to NetGalley and Random House) and realized that I've listened to some of Bastone's audible exclusives and didn't love them. So, I went into this with low expectations, but it quickly became one of my favorite books. Seriously, this was a perfect read for me. The friend dynamic between Eva and Willa was incredibly relatable, the plotline was realistic, and the evolution of all of the relationships throughout the book was so enjoyable to read. The romantic tension and slowburn was also excellent! My only complaint is that I wished there was more!

This was a very feel good friends to lovers romance. I didn’t see it as a typical romcom because it went a little deeper than that with the subject matter. I found Eve to be an OK character. There wasn’t really anything to like not like about her. Her friendship with Willa drove me insane even by the end of the book. I still felt that Willa would have gotten the boot if she was my friend. As for Shep, he was absolutely adorable. He was sensitive, selfless, and a complete swoon worthy gentleman. Then there was Ethan, who honestly was a very likable character. I loved the story and how you were able to see everyone figure it all out together. I wish Eve and Shep had figured their thing out early in the book so I could enjoy a little more romance between them but this is still a good story.

The only thing I did not like about this book, why is the reference to liberals and what she said about gender. It was a huge turn off for me.

A new favorite, full of sweetness and humor and emotional resonance. If I loved it less, I might be able to talk about it more.

PS: This is a very solid Rainbow Rowell readalike, thanks to its swooniness, jokes, and appreciation of a good haircut.

Thank you to Net Galley for this ARC. I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of heart with all the characters. It flowed really well and it was nice to escape in to the story. I definitely recommend.

A nearly solid 4 star read for me.
Eve had a one night stand and becomes pregnant. The story revolves around her, her found family sibling friends, and the baby daddy who is back with his on again off again girl friend. There's a lot to really like about this book but there are some triggering moments with her and her best friend in regards to pregnancy that could be hard for some.
I wish there was an epilogue or another few chapters as it felt like it ended abruptly.

4.5 ⭐️

I saw found family and was immediately excited about this book. I definitely wasn’t disappointed by both this trope and the story overall.

I really liked the voice of Eve. Nothing was sugarcoated and she was super funny. And SHEP! I loved him so much. He is the definition of a sunshine boyfriend and I adored his supportive and patient nature. The development of and their relationship overall was beautifully done. I just really liked the pacing. Both of these characters, along with the side ones, were all so real. I could tell that their emotions and individual stories were written with strong consideration. This was showcased through their relationships with each other.

The dialogue was a real highlight for me in this story. It was so fun to read and you learned a lot about the characters through it. I also really enjoyed how the writing felt like Eve was having a conversation with me. Regarding the story, the author took such a simple concept and expanded it into a full book without dragging anything out. I wasn’t bored once.

Overall, I just really adored this read. It’s one of those that I could see in my head as a movie. My only real complaint is that I wish there was MORE! Or at least an epilogue or two. The ending seemed a bit abrupt for me, but that’s really it. I really look forward to more work from this author! (Possibly a new love story for Ethan?)

MINI PLAYLIST 🚲🌳🧡
Science - Niall Horan
You Are In Love - Taylor Swift
Never Grow Up - Taylor Swift

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! :)

This was in between a 3 and 4 star for me. The first half was definitely 4 star but the second half was more 3 star. It was really cute and I always love the “he always loved her” vibe but I felt like the second half of the book dragged on a little bit. I was happy that Eve, Shep, and Ethan found a way to coexist and genuinely be happy about it too.

This book follows Eve, who is from the Midwest and lives in Brooklyn, as she strives for her career goals. She has a slip up one night and has a one night stand, and from that results a little surprise. Other surprises in Eve's relationships follow, like a confusing reaction from her friend Willow, Willow's brother suddenly becoming the cheerleader in Eve's corner and ensuring she is okay throughout her pregnancy, and then the baby's father who is on the fence, but yet supportive. Also, the cover of the book is what initially drew me in. I really, really enjoyed this read more than I thought I would. It has a real and believable plotline, relatable characters, and I enjoyed the evolution of the different relationships, including with Eve herself.

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

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley I received an advanced electronic copy of the book to read and provide a review.

Oh wow, this was unexpected and amazing. Cara Bastone did something special here. Ready or Not was a beautiful and riveting love story of forever friendship, found family and growth. While Eve and her pregnancy journey is the main character the world written around her with Shep, Ethan, Willa, her colleagues/work was dynamic, progressive and fun to read. It was challenging and tearful at times, but a really good time.

Full disclose: I didn’t think I was going to be the right audience for this book. I hate surprise pregnancy tropes and often skip over epilogues with any mention of pregnancy. It’s just not for me. This was 31 chapters about Eve’s pregnancy journey and it was a page turner - I couldn’t put it down.

The author also accurately conveyed many of the frustrations and realities of pregnancy including awkward social assumptions, challenging / changing understandings of self while pregnant, and physical ailments. It felt authentic and relatable to me.

And the HEA is straight fantasy but, you know, I’ll take it. It was just the light happiness and love needed after that journey.

This book is absolute perfection!! I just want to bottle it up!! Shep and Eve are everything. I love that he has been waiting patiently for her to catch-up but was going to make it work as friends too. He shows up for her in ways we all dream about happening when getting pregnant.

I thought the relationship with Ethan was super realistic and really showed the full scope of an unexpected pregnancy.

I read this book in less than 24 hours! I can’t wait for this book to hit shelves!

"Ready or Not" by Cara Bastone, and I'm thrilled to award it a well-deserved 5-star review. This book is a shining example of contemporary romance at its finest.

Cara Bastone has a remarkable talent for crafting authentic and relatable characters, and "Ready or Not" is no exception. The protagonists are not just characters on paper; they feel like real people with genuine flaws, dreams, and emotions. The depth of their personalities and the complexity of their pasts make them instantly endearing.

The chemistry between the two main characters in this book is sizzling and electric. Bastone skillfully builds their relationship from a chance encounter to a slow-burning romance that will have your heart racing. The witty banter, the tender moments, and the raw vulnerability they share create a powerful emotional connection that is impossible to resist.

What sets "Ready or Not" apart from many other romance novels is its heartfelt exploration of mental health and self-discovery. The book delves into important themes like anxiety and therapy with sensitivity and authenticity. It portrays the journey of self-acceptance and growth in a way that is both empowering and empowering.

The writing in "Ready or Not" is simply exquisite. Bastone's prose is both evocative and relatable, drawing readers into the story and making them feel every emotion along with the characters. Her narrative style strikes a perfect balance between humor and poignancy, resulting in a book that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon in equal measure.

The pacing of the story is spot-on, keeping you engaged and invested in the characters' journey from beginning to end. You won't want to put this book down, and you'll find yourself eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next.

In conclusion, "Ready or Not" by Cara Bastone is a five-star romance that delivers everything you could hope for in a love story—compelling characters, scorching chemistry, emotional depth, and a message of self-acceptance that resonates long after you've finished reading. If you're a fan of contemporary romance that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you with a smile on your face, don't miss this book when it's released. It's a must-read that will warm your heart and remind you of the transformative power of love.