After reconnecting on a road trip, two friends must decide if love is the ultimate risk worth taking in this funny, emotional sapphic romance

Nia and Jade had been inseparable ever since their best friend, Michal, introduced them at her tenth birthday party. But now it’s been three years since Michal died of cancer— since the brutal fight Nia and Jade had in the weeks after— and they're barely on speaking terms.

Until Nia reads a letter Michal wrote for her 29th birthday, asking her and Jade to go on the southern Jewish history road trip they'd planned before she died. To add to the complications, Michal's then-boyfriend and Jade's twin brother, Jonah, joins the trip. Despite the years apart and Jade and Jonah’s strained relationship, any awkwardness quickly disappears as it becomes clear how much Nia and Jade have missed each other.

Unfortunately, old issues soon arise. Nia has been in love with Jade since they were teenagers, and Jade has been so committed to their friendship that she never let herself consider something more. As the stops pass, tensions mount, running high until Nia and Jade are forced to confront what happened three years ago, their feelings for one another, and even their respective relationships with Jonah.

Rachel Runya Katz’s Whenever You’re Ready is about family, friendship, and the kind of first love that could last a lifetime—if only you are willing to take a chance.

Loved it

I appreciated this book so much!! This is the first book that I have read by Rachel and I will definitely be looking forward to more books from her. This story had my heart the entire time that I was reading it and it's a bit hard for a book to do that. I loved the dynamic between Nia & Jade. It was refreshing to see how they came together and got to know each other over again.

5 stars

Okay, wow, this book didn’t need to come for me like this.

Whenever You’re Ready may be best termed (for marketing boxes) as a romance, but it’s so much more than a fluffy love story. It’s a heartfelt portrait of friendship, love of all types (familial, soulmate, platonic, romantic, community), grief, and personal/community identity. The story follows a trio of friends (Nia and twins Jade and Jonah) embarking on a Southern Jewish History road trip they had originally planned for three years before with their best friend Michal—but Michal unfortunately passed away due to brain cancer before the trip could take place. Her death ripped them apart, individually and as a group, and a road trip may not be enough for them to fully heal. Nia and Jade are also in love with one another, but a complicated history as estranged best-friends-forever makes acting on those feelings a daunting challenge.

I actually cried while reading this book. And I called my best friend to tell her that I love her. This book worked so well for me, and I highly recommend it to anyone who values human relationships.

The author has figured out how to write socialists into her books without explicitly saying they are which is phenomenal. The exploration of queerness, grief, and more is done so well!!

Loved this friends to lovers romance. It was anything but light, really hitting some tough topics, but with a lot of love. I'll go back and read this author's debut!

Synopsis:
After reconnecting on a road trip, two friends must decide if love is the ultimate risk worth taking in this funny, emotional sapphic romance

Nia and Jade had been inseparable ever since their best friend, Michal, introduced them at her tenth birthday party. But now it’s been three years since Michal died of cancer— since the brutal fight Nia and Jade had in the weeks after— and they're barely on speaking terms.

Until Nia reads a letter Michal wrote for her 29th birthday, asking her and Jade to go on the southern Jewish history road trip they'd planned before she died. To add to the complications, Michal's then-boyfriend and Jade's twin brother, Jonah, joins the trip. Despite the years apart and Jade and Jonah’s strained relationship, any awkwardness quickly disappears as it becomes clear how much Nia and Jade have missed each other.

Thoughts:
Originally, from the synopsis, I was expecting a story about two friends reconnecting and falling in love while dealing with their grief. But it was a lot heavier than I was expecting it to be. There was a lot of historical context and facts, which I didn't mind because I love history. Also, it took some time for me to be invested in the characters. Overall, it was a good book that had a happy ending!

3.5 stars.

"Whenever You're Ready" by Rachel Runya Katz was not what I was expecting. It's about a group of friends, Jade, Nia, and Jade's twin brother Jonah, reconnecting after the death of their friend, Michal, a few years earlier. They had planned to go on a Southern Jewish history road trip before it was discovered that Michal had brain cancer. Jade and Nia have been in love with each other since they were kids, but have yet to make their true feelings known. They have been estranged for a couple of years following Michal's death and a falling out. To make matters even more complicated, Jonah was dating Michal when she died, and Jade and Michal were best friends, so they all have this big, amalgamous blob of connections and feelings for and with one another. Long-lost loves, brother and sister dynamics, best friends loving and fighting, lovers who have lost, friends who have lost more...It's a little dizzying and complex, to be honest. The story is mostly well written, especially when it comes to the grief aspects of the story. This is one of the slowest-burning romances I have ever read. Katz really leaves it to the last minute! I did find myself getting confused about some of the dynamics and characters, though. There is *a lot* of history in this book. The Southern Jewish history road trip is compelling, to be sure. I feel like I learned a lot that I previously didn't know about the history of Jewish people in the South during the Civil War. While this is a fine book, I must admit, I liked Katz's first book better.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel Runya Katz, St. Martin's Press, and St. Martin's Griffin for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

This was an informative and interesting read, but wow, the characters drove me crazy sometimes!

Our lead characters were so juvenile and immature at times that I wanted to just shake them. Jade and Nia meet when their best friend Michal introduces them at age ten. The three girls become fast friends. However, Michal died three years ago, throwing the friend group into chaos. Michal wanted Jade and Nia to go on a Southern Jewish history road trip--one they all had planned to go on before Michal got sick. Jade, Nia, and Jade's twin brother (and Michal's boyfriend, confused yet) set out on the trip in Michal's honor.

We learn quickly that Jade and Nia have been somewhat estranged for the past three years, but, of course, we can't be told why. I am not a fan of books where there's a big past event/blowup that is alluded to but not revealed for most of the book. However, it seems par for the course for this group, who cannot communicate to save their lives.

The history part of the road trip is fascinating, as it delves into the history and intersection of anti-black racism and antisemitism in the American South. I learned a lot, honestly, and there are parts that can make you cry. It's wonderful to see queer Jewish characters of color in literature.

There's a lot of intertwined romance and drama in READY and it's difficult to keep track of, sometimes. There's Michal and Jonah's relationship; something that happened with Nia and Jade; and the background of Michal's illness and death. All the drama and sadness is overwhelming sometimes. Nia and Jade are a cute couple, but wow, it's a slooooow burn romance. Those two know how to drag things out!

This one is rather long and you have to warm up to the characters. There is, however, a delightful dog named Luna and wonderful, diverse representation.

I really wanted to enjoy this book, but I don't think it was for me. The concept was so promising and I was so into the idea of the book, but the pacing was way too slow and I couldn't get through it.

good romance and loved how they found love and each other. They survived their trials and found their way back to each other. another great romance.

Oh my goodness, one of the easiest five stars ever.

This book was BEAUTIFUL. I loved all of the Jewish history that they put in, I loved the sloooow burn, I loved the development of all four characters. Were there times I wanted to shake them? Yes. But in a good way. I'm so glad I spent my Yom Kippur reading a book about forgiveness, about Jewish joy and Jewish heartbreak, and about love.

Three years ago, the third part of Jade and Nia's trio, Michal, died, and Jade and Nia had a massive fallout, leaving all their plans in the dust. Now, Nia has found a letter from Michal, encouraging them (and Jade's twin brother) to take the Southern Jewish History Roadtrip they planned so many years ago. Jade and Nia have a chance to reconnect, rekindle what they once had, rebuild, but will they?
It's slow and meditative. Advertising it as a romance isn't really true. The characters are interesting and the history is too, but it really is slow. It's pretty decent, though. Definitely worth a shot.

✨ Sapphic
✨ Enemies to ??? to Lovers
✨ Road Trip with a dog
✨ Slow Burn
✨ Found Family
✨ Jewish and Racial Heavy Topics

This one was not what I was expecting. A few people have called it a rom com and there are a few funny moments for sure, this is FAR from a rom com. This book ripped my heart out and I cried 3 times. I highly recommend this one if you are looking for something to break your heart and gently put it back together.

A very emotional and complicated journey of three best friends who lost their mutual best friend way too early and way too young. The road trip they take and the letters their friend left them help with the hurt they all feel and the ability to piece their lives back together as a group of three rather than four. The historical context of their southern trip was woven into the story seamlessly. A lot of emotion and misunderstanding, but in the end, there was understanding. A nice read. Thank you NetGalley for providing the ARC.

Whenever You're Ready explores the complexity of love and friendship. Nia and Jade drifted apart after losing their mutual friend, Michal. When a letter from Michal is found, begging Nia and Jade to take a roadtrip that they had previously planned together, you know that something good is coming.

What will happen as Nia and Jade reconnect? Will their friendship recover? Will it turn into something more?

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book a lot. The author did a great job of weaving the romance into the story while still dealing with heavier topics.

Whenever You’re Ready by Rachel Runya Katz is a heartfelt exploration of self-discovery, friendship, and the complexities of love. The story follows a young protagonist navigating the challenges of growing up while grappling with anxiety and societal expectations. Katz’s writing is both lyrical and relatable, drawing readers into the protagonist’s journey of finding her voice and understanding her worth. The book’s emphasis on mental health and resilience makes it a compelling read for young adults, resonating with anyone who has faced uncertainty in their own life.

I really enjoyed this.. The road trip was everything. It was packed with so much. There was also so much depth to the each character..

Rachel Runya Katz's Whenever You're Ready is a stunning exploration of grief, friendship, and the enduring power of first love. With her signature wit and emotional depth, Katz weaves a captivating tale that will stay with you long after the final page.

The story follows Nia and Jade, two childhood friends whose lives intersect once again after a tragic loss. As they navigate their grief and reconnect, their bond deepens, revealing a complex and passionate connection. Katz's portrayal of their journey is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, capturing the nuances of their evolving relationship with stunning authenticity.

What sets Whenever You're Ready apart is its exploration of the complexities of grief and the ways in which it can shape our lives. Katz delves into the emotional turmoil that Nia and Jade experience with sensitivity and understanding, offering a poignant and relatable portrayal of the grieving process.
In addition to its emotional depth, the novel also boasts a compelling plot, engaging characters, and beautifully written prose. Katz's writing style is both lyrical and accessible, drawing readers into the world of her characters and making them feel as if they are experiencing their journey alongside them.

Whenever You're Ready is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and literary fiction!

Thank you to the publisher for my ARC in exchange for my review!

Whenever You’re Ready by Rachel Runya Katz is a beautifully wrecking story of friendship, love, grief, history, and everything else in between. As someone who’s read Rachel’s debut novel, I knew I immediately wanted to read this one as well. And I was not disappointed at all. This book was way more intense than Rachel’s debut, and I spent the last few chapters crying in my hotel room.

I really love when dead characters haunt the narrative. This book was a perfect example of the case. Despite this mostly being Jade and Nia’s (and Jonah) story, Michal was such a special character, and I loved that Rachel made us feel her presence throughout the book. Her letters at the end was such a beautiful to the ones at the beginning, and I absolutely loved how deeply she loved about her friends. I was definitely a sobbing mess when I read those letters at the end. I loved how the book showed difference approaches to grief, because grief isn’t one-sided. Everyone experiences loss and the aftermath of it differently, and the 3 main characters in the book reflect this perfectly.

I was waiting to see what caused the rift between Nia and Jade, and after reading it, I could understand both perspectives. This book did an excellent job at portraying different perspectives to every obstacle. I was so glad they were able to talk it out, and I was so glad Nia’s mom was so supportive. Also, I need to give Jade a hug. I don’t want to spoil much, but Nia and Jade’s transition from best friends to lovers was so satisfying, and I just loved reading through the tension (and screaming “just kiss” at every chapter).

This book really had heavy themes, and I literally hated Jonah at one point in the story where he purposely hurt Jade, even though I could understand where his anger was coming from. That’s the thing about this book, it makes you see everything from every side and sympathize.