Wow, what an absolutely DELIGHTFUL debut. 4.5 stars!

This story follows Bennet, who is grieving the loss of her first love. She feels directionless and lost while living in New York City. She gets set up on a date by friends who want to help her, but instead of going, she stands up her date, Henry. However, she winds up seeing Henry again, and rather than walk away from Bennet, Henry offers to help. Every Saturday, they will work on finding Bennet's passion - as friends. From tattooing to carpentry to working at a dog shelter, Bennet's spark for life starts to come back.

From the start of this book, I was completely taken by Bennet's story. My girl is going THROUGH it and I felt I was right there with her. She's consistently shutting out the people that are reaching out and that truly care for her. I felt her journey through grief was so well-written while still balancing it with humor and romance. Even though Bennet is struggling with Depression with a capital D, she still manages to be funny, compassionate, and a wonderfully complex character. Henry, on the other hand is gentle, patient, SO kind, and the classic definition of a "cinnamon roll" boyfriend. He's so understanding of what Bennet is going through and it was such a pleasure to read about them falling in love 🥹🥲

Some of my favorite parts of this book are when Henry and Bennet are on their Passion Project journey. All the different places they go to, classes they try, or daredevil antics they get into made these parts so engaging and fun to read about. Pair that with the chemistry the two leads have and it's a match made in heaven. I also love that NYC was truly a character in this story. Books like this reallyyyy make me want to visit. Lastly, I also loved the supporting characters of Sal, Sonya, and Jamie. Truly made the story even better.

Overall, this is a beautiful, funny, poignant, and charming debut of a romance novel about not only love after loss, but also what happens when you open yourself up to new opportunities that come your way (romantic or not!). I think this is great for fans of Cara Bastone, Abby Jimenez, Emily Henry or Ashley Poston. Thank you to Penguin Books and Netgalley for this ARC!

An absolute gem. I was completely charmed by this book. This is a debut novel that does not feel like one because it is so well-written and smartly thought-out. It achieves a perfect balance of substance and light. It is a romance novel, but it is also a beautiful story of self-discovery, overcoming fears and grief, and letting yourself be open to new possibilities.

The story involves 2 extremely likable characters falling in love while going on adventures together throughout New York City. Bennet is lost (still grieving the loss of her first love, battling guilt and depression, struggling to find a purpose and direction) and while she frequently shuts out those who love her and want to help her, she is compassionate and funny and lovable. And Henry is an ideal book boyfriend – beautiful, kind, patient and attentive, and uncommonly mature. They treat each other with such care and gentleness. Watching them fall in love is a pleasure.

Their adventures are wide-ranging and filled with sparkling banter and palpable chemistry – and often laugh out loud moments. As they attend events, walk the parks, and climb skyscrapers, the city shines and draws you in as well. Equal parts love letter to the city and potential visitor’s guide, New York City is shown in all its glory and is as much a supporting character as wonderful Sal and Sonya and Jamie.

‘Passion Project’ is a sweet and heart-warming story that is an absolute joy to read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Viking/Penguin Group, for the ARC [with a publication date of April 8, 2025]

I truly love this book to the ends of the earth. It made me cry over a baseball and also over $10. Only an evil old wizard or very good writer could be capable of such a thing. Henry Adams is the book boyfriend of all time. This book needed a map in the front like you get in fantasy novels simply to direct the reader toward where on the planet they can find themselves a Henry Adams. Bennet is also my favorite and I could read enormous tomes of her simply going about her day and doing odd jobs. When she ate salt and vinegar chips and ginger ale for dinner I clutched my heart at the confirmation that we are soul sisters. But Sal and his eggplant have to be my #1 favorites. And Sarah. Okay, admittedly, all of the characters are just extremely charming. Passion Project is truly such a great book. It's loads of fun, especially if you can relate to being a big ole mess in your 20s. It is also deeply emotional, beautiful, and healing. And it's hot. It even made me want to start a rock collection. 5/5 stars please check this one out.

This was a fun read! I loved that the characters were relatable. The banter was great and it makes me wish I lived in a bigger city rather than a rural small town.

Oh man, I don't want to dig too much into it but this was a sweet read.

Full review to come closer to book release, but ugh. Beautiful, raw, authentic.

Thank you NetGalley and Viking for this ARC.

If you like books that have great banter, good laughs, themes of growing in grief, and NYC this is for you.

Bennett is a very relatable character and you will find yourself really rooting for her.

The basic premise of this book is that Bennett is not ready to date after losing her boyfriend 3 years earlier. She's in New York to try to live out their planned dreams. Her friends convince her to get back out there and in comes Henry, the man she stands up.

But, Henry isn't really having it. He offers up his Saturday's to her, the plan being they try something new together in the city, friends only obviously.

From there, this book truly just stays fun. It will bring you to tears, it will make you laugh. As someone who has always felt a little lost in my life, I really loved this book. The themes surrounding that between both characters was incredibly relatable.

Highly recommended from me. I can't wait to share more.

**Review of *Passion Project* by London Sperry**

*Passion Project* by London Sperry is a heartfelt and uplifting journey of self-discovery that beautifully captures the challenges and triumphs of navigating your twenties. The story follows Bennet Taylor, a temp worker in New York City who feels stuck in a rut, grappling with grief over her first love and struggling to find her passion for life. Sperry expertly conveys Bennet's emotional turmoil, making her journey both relatable and poignant.

When Bennet unexpectedly runs into Henry Adams after standing him up for a date, the two strike up a unique friendship that transforms into an adventurous quest to help Bennet reignite her zest for life. Their "passion project" premise is a refreshing take on friendship and personal growth, and the adventures they embark on—ranging from carpentry to rappelling off skyscrapers—are both fun and inspiring. Each activity is filled with humor and a touch of poignancy, showcasing how trying new things can lead to unexpected revelations.

Sperry's writing is sharp and engaging, filled with sparkling banter that adds a lighthearted touch to the story. The chemistry between Bennet and Henry is palpable, and their dynamic evolves beautifully throughout the novel. As Bennet opens up and confronts her past, readers are drawn into her emotional journey, rooting for her to find happiness and purpose.

The themes of grief, friendship, and self-acceptance resonate deeply, making this novel more than just a lighthearted romantic comedy. It's a reminder that it’s never too late to explore new passions and that healing often comes from the connections we forge with others.

Overall, *Passion Project* is a delightful and thought-provoking read that will leave you smiling and inspired. London Sperry has crafted a compelling story that perfectly balances humor, emotion, and adventure. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for an uplifting tale about finding joy and rediscovering oneself in the bustling chaos of life. You'll find yourself cheering for Bennet every step of the way!

ɴᴇᴛɢᴀʟʟᴇʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ || PASSION PROJECT [thank you to Viking and @netgalley for my #gifted copy!]

Title: Passion Project
Author: London Sperry
Genre: Romance
Format: Digital
Star Rating: ★★★★☆

ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ:
Bennet Taylor’s twenties are anything but fabulous. Temping her way through New York City, she’s directionless, lonely, and still grieving her first love.

After standing up a first date with the easygoing Henry Adams, she confesses she’s not ready for romance—or anything that stirs much excitement. Rather than walk away, Henry offers a fix: every Saturday, they’ll try something new in the city, just as friends. From carpentry to urban rappelling, Bennet’s long-lost spark begins to rekindle.

But when feelings and secrets surface, she’ll have to decide if she’s ready to embrace a future she never saw coming.

ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ:
If you’re looking for a book that combines banter, grief, and a sense of listlessness - then look no further! I absolutely DEVOURED this novel as I watched Bennet and Henry fall in love…but more importantly, as I watched Bennet fall in love with herself.

And their “meet disaster” was one for the books! Absolutely could not get enough.

As someone who is also a little lost, I appreciated both MCs world views - Henry’s that you’re just one day away from finding your passion and Bennet’s that sometimes everything feels too hard.

These two will stick with me for a while, and I highly recommend this novel!

ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
Emily Henry
Books about Self Discovery
Laugh-Out-Loud Banter
Ashley Poston
Books about Grief
PS I Hate You
Abby Jimenez

ᴅᴇᴛᴀɪʟꜱ:
GR: 4.69 ⭐️
# of Pages: 368
Pub Date: April 8, 2025

I think this is the book l've related to the most in recent years with the FMC, Bennet, having lost a significant other. I could relate to and understand her being stuck in her grief, life, work and relationships and not knowing her passion anymore. I immediately liked the MMC, Henry, because he was determined to help her with what she needed without pushing for more. I was ecstatic when they got their HEA.

Oh gosh this was funny, touching and poignant and I teared up so many times.

Bennet Taylor has been grieving her boyfriend Sam for three years. Having moved to New York City only to fulfil his plans for their shared life, she’s depressed and unable to feel a spark about anything. Pushed by her best friend/housemate Sonya and Sonya’s girlfriend Jamie to start dating again, she tries but fails to go on a date with Henry. Henry strikes her a deal: he will be her friend and help her find her passion again undertaking different activities around the city.

This was such a lovely book that I couldn’t put down. Bennet was such an interesting character. She will frustrate (and I’m glad Sonya finally called her out over her selfishness) even if you understand that grief has made her a shell of herself. I adored sweet book boyfriend Henry with his steadfast patience and sweetness. He too was nursing his own guilt, but he handled Bennet with such care, even when, at times she didn’t deserve it. Their romance was such a gorgeous slow-burn as Bennet slowly finds her spark to live again and heal from her guilt over Sam’s death.

This was such a tender, sweet and heartfelt book about finding learning to open yourself up again after having the worst thing happen to you. I cried, I laughed and I finished this book feeling a catharsis. What a debut! I can't wait to read more from London Sperry.

‘Having your shit together is not a prerequisite for love’.

Thanks to Viking/Penguin Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

Wow. What a life-affirming, heartfelt, tender, hilarious romance. As much about grief and adult coming-of-age as it is about love and romance, this one will stick with me for a long time. I can't wait for more from Sperry!

Passion Project has been one of my best reads from NetGalley this far. The connection between both characters is so enticing and definitely gets you hoping for more. The characters made me fall in love - would recommend to all looking for a believable romance to sweep you off your feet.

A wonderfully poignant, self-assured debut about grief, figuring out who you are and what you deserve, and the people who draw out and cultivate our best qualities. I was completely enamored with Bennet and Henry in PASSION PROJECT, and their love story left me aching in the best way. London’s prose sparkles from start to finish, with MANY laugh-out-loud moments but also just as many tear-jerking ones (and I’m not typically a crier with books). Bennet is so gorgeously and complexly drawn as a character, and watching her growth arc over the book touched me more than I’d ever expected. Henry is deliciously swoony and refreshingly mature, and their banter and sexual tension had me squealing and kicking my feet like an idiot. Fans of Emily Henry, Ashley Poston, and Abby Jimenez will find their next favorite author here—but I dare *anyone* to read this and not fall in love.