I enjoyed the overall concept of this story and the relationship dynamics of two troubled people but not the graphic sex scenes. Can’t understand the need to explain everything, wasting words. But that aside, Bennet was such a sad sack and Henry was just the thing to help her realize how special she is. Predictable ending but very satisfying. For those who like rom-coms with lots of spice, this book is for you. Many thanks to #netgalley #passionproject #londonsperry for the chance to read and review this book.

Thank you netgalley for the advanced readers copy.

Such a meet cute and healing book. Bennet is lost after losing her boyfriend. She meets someone who challenges her to find her passion. I delighted in reading about her emergence. Everyone needs and deserves encouragement and love. This book was a great reminder.

This review has been posted to Goodreads and Storygraph on April 2nd, 2025. Links provided.

Bennet Taylor is stuck in a bit of a life slump. She’s working a temp job in New York, feels directionless, and hasn’t been able to shake off the grief from losing her first love. After an awkward run-in with Henry Adams - whom she literally just stood up for a first date - Bennet admits she hasn’t felt excited about anything in years. Instead of accepting Bennet’s desire to hole up for the rest of her life, Henry proposes a deal: every Saturday, they’ll try something new, with the goal of helping her find a spark for life again. As the weeks go on and their adventures draw them closer, Bennet starts to feel a shift, but old fears and unresolved emotions come up, forcing her to face the past. Passion Project mixes fun adventures with deeper emotional moments, making it a refreshing read about finding joy, letting go of grief, opening yourself up to healing and love, and rediscovering what makes you feel alive.

Passion Project was such an enjoyable read! The way it captures the ups and downs of life, especially when dealing with grief and healing, really resonated with me. Bennet’s journey of rediscovering her passion for life after losing Sam felt so real, and I loved seeing her and Henry explore New York City while trying out new activities. The chemistry between them was perfect, and their friendship-to-lovers transition felt natural and heartfelt. The witty banter between the two was so enjoyable, and the way the book handled grief - showing it’s never a linear path - was really well done. Henry was such a patient, supportive, and lovable character. This book had the perfect mix of humor, emotion, and personal growth, and I think it’s a great choice for fans of Abby Jimenez and Emily Henry. If this is London Sperry’s debut, I can’t even imagine how amazing her next novel will be!

Thank you to Penguin Group Viking and NetGalley for the opportunity to read to an ARC of Passion Project in return for my honest review.

One of the best romance books I've read this year! I loved the Passion Project. It's not often you find a well written romance that is also deeply reflective and emotional. I couldn't put it down - I wanted to see Bennett figure out how to move past her grief and figure out how to fall in love with Henry. I loved watching her find herself again after drowning in her grief for so long. This is an amazing debut novel and I can't wait to read what's next!

*Emotional intelligence has entered the chat*

I couldn't be happier for us Romance lovers! London Sperry, thank you and congratulations. In the words of Prue Leith, "What a little triumph!" I cannot believe this is a debut novel.

Bennet moves to New York City to start a life following the sudden loss of her first love. She is deep in the trenches of grief and depression. Bennet spends her days as a temp worker taking in various jobs to afford NYC. However, every moment in between is too hard to exist. Experiencing grief through fiction can be tricky; moreover, I believe London Sperry shines through with timely and beautifully written prose. I laughed. I cried. I fell in love. Mostly with Bennet's growth, but Henry is a wonderful guy, too. Henry is a loveable and charming photographer/bartender that Bennet stands up a couple of times. ;) There's a couple of twists and turns on this journey, but only 2 scenes were over the top for me. The secondary characters were also great! I enjoyed Sonya and Sal the most.

If you enjoyed Cara Bastone's newest book, Promise Me Sunshine, you'll love this gem, too!!

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin for this ARC!

PASSION PROJECT

Romance — 4⭐️

“Here, I’m broken, but in a beautiful way, in a way that all my pieces reflect light and color…”

Bennet has isolated herself in her grief when she crosses paths with Henry. She confesses that it’s been years since she’s felt passionate about anything. But Henry is determined to help her find her spark. Every Friday, they try something new in hopes of reigniting her passion—and naturally, it’s not just passion that gets sparked.

This story blends a slow-burn romcom with a heartfelt journey of healing. I’m always drawn to love-after-loss stories that go beyond the surface. The portrayal of grief was thoughtful and realistic.

While I adored the friends-to-lovers aspect, I think I connected even more with Bennet’s personal journey. That said, Henry & Bennet had their moments that made me tear up, too.

The storyline is similar to Promise Me Sunshine, which I loved when I read it back in 2024, but as someone stuck in their own “unlovable era,” I’m here for ALL the books that inspire and remind you to embrace love and life! Highly recommend.

I already picked up the physical copy because this one is definitely a keeper for my shelf!

I couldn’t put this book down! I loved the characters Henry and Bennet! They were so relatable. I wanted to be friends with Henry! The book had romance and humor. Definitely a 5 ⭐️ read!

I really enjoyed reading Passion Project - mostly because of Henry. He seems like an actual angel. I found myself a little frustrated with Bennet and Sonya - separately and together - neither of them seemed to know each other at all despite being friends "forever." It felt a little bit like the development of relationships was maybe neglected a bit in an effort to give us a lot of time with Henry and Bennet and this made them other relationships feel ... immature? or just like new friends rather than a deeper connection. I was happy to read about anxiety, depression, and grief in a real way while still being a fun and enjoyable book. Overall, I would recommend the book, it has a great story line and great dialogue! Plus fun activities ideas in new york.

Thank you netgalley and Penguin Books for the Arc!

✨ARC provided by Penguin Books & NetGalley✨

My first 5⭐️ read of the year!

You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll laugh some more and then somewhere in the middle, you’ll be holding your chest because this book will pull at your heartstrings.

Bennett is drowning in her grief over the death of her first love, Sam. Aimlessly wandering, Bennett is without direction as she works odd jobs as a temp worker in NYC, the city she moved to because of Sam.

Attempting to help her out of her slump, friends arrange for Bennett to go on a date, only for her to ghost the guy just before they’re set to meet. Instead, she opts to drown her sorrows with a few too many bottles of Côtes du Rhône and familiarizing herself with the floor of an Italian restaurant. There she comes face-to-face with the very man she stood up, Henry.

With the help of liquid courage, Bennett admits she isn’t ready to date and seemingly, doesn’t have a passion for anything, and hasn’t for years. This sparks an idea in Henry as he suggests he helps her find her passion by trying new things together— taking classes and going to new places, every Saturday.

Out of this, the ‘Passion Project’ is born. As the two spend more and more time together, Bennett will have to come to terms with her feelings, figure out what she wants, and decide if she is truly ready to move on.

Prepare yourself for cheeky banter, palpable tension, and a smile to be plastered across your face as you tag along Bennett’s journey of navigating her grief, rediscovering herself after loss, and learning having your sh*t together isn’t a prerequisite for love.

Wow, this was AMAZING!!!
Way to debut your first book London Sperry cuz it def hit me in the feels for sure!!! This book just sucked me in from the first page and it kept me hooked!
This story is sad but so cute, it just took you on rollercoaster of emotions from the lows to the highs. I really adored Bennet and Henry, it just makes me smile and feel happy to know I finished this beautiful story.

Sweet Henry, you are the best!!
IYKYK this scene got me 👰🏼‍♀️📝⚾️❤️‍🩹😭

I’m def in my sad girl romance era cuz first with Promise Me Sunshine by CB and then I watched Netflix The Life List as I was reading this…I be in my feels with all this grief but the HEA is worth it 🥰

4.75⭐️

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Books for this ARC!

Bennet is struggling through her 20s in New York after the loss of her college boyfriend. When she tries to go on her first ever date with another man, she's hit with an anxiety attack and ghosts the poor guy, but when they run into each other anyway, they find an unlikely kinship. Henry is lonely in the city too, and they agree to meet up once a week and go on adventures to help Bennet rejoin the land of the living and find something she's passionate about.


I will always be so drawn to love after loss stories. I thought this was really well done, and Bennet's healing and growth felt very real to me. This was a really stunning debut, overall. I laughed, I cried, I rooted for Bennet and Henry every step of the way.

There were elements of miscommunication or poor decision-making that were frustrating in the moment but ultimately made sense for the characters as I got to know them better. There were also times where this sort of crossed the line into cliché or corny, but honestly, is it really a romcom if it's not a little corny? That's what makes it cozy and lovable. Of course there's only one bed, of course the rain starts pouring at just the right moment, of course a conversation is overheard at just the wrong moment.

This is a story I could definitely see myself rereading when I'm in a slump and just want something that I know is quick and sweet, but I don't think the details of this one will stick with me.

Thanks Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for my honest review!

Five stars for an OUTSTANDING debut novel from London Sperry! Passion Project is a beautiful story about grief, friendship, and love of all kinds that had me hooked from page one. I will be recommending it to everyone that I know!!!

After standing up Henry on their first date, Bennet unexpectedly runs into him and drunkenly shares that she doesn’t have a passion for anything. Being the sweet angel he is, Henry agrees to help her find her passion via a summer of new experiences and adventure.

London’s writing is so captivating and descriptive in the way that I love (showing, not telling). She handled grief in such a careful and knowledgeable way that made me feel every emotion. To sweet Bennet, I want to give you the biggest hug ever. To Henry, you kind, patient, loving human….. I adore you endlessly; please never change.

I laughed, I cried, and I will be (not so) patiently waiting for more of London’s writing!!!

*Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Books for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!!*

Full review will be posted on Instagram and Goodreads on 4/8 :)

4.5 ⭐️ / 5 ⭐️

Wow wow wow, what a fantastic debut novel!! I went into this mostly blind and was taken aback by the pull I felt even after four chapters. It wasn’t just a great story, but it was also thoughtfully written and the characters were beautifully drawn. I wanted to jump into the pages and tour NYC along with them (and heal along with them).

This book is about so many of our human experiences but my main takeaway is that it was a love letter to the art of forgiving yourself and holding space for the people in your life that show up while you grieve. Especially those that come into our lives during the thick of it all and find ways to shine light on the path to healing. ❤️‍🩹

The Cast:

👩🏻 🫥 Bennet (our FMC):
When we meet Bennet, she’s having a very rough night. Maybe one of the worst nights of her life. She’s trying to make ends meet in NYC (a city that she is convinced hates her), her roommate is pushing her into trying to move on romantically (but she’s not ready), and she was just over served while avoiding meeting her date (🍷🤮🚽).

Throughout the book, however, she’s forced into scenarios that push her to step away from the grief bubble she’s been existing in and to learn (and sometimes relearn) how strong and worthy she is. And this is in some part due to meeting Henry, who gives her reasons to step outside her “comfort” zone.

She can at times come across as selfish (and sometimes she is outright so), but it was nice to watch her try and fail and try and succeed (on repeat and not always in that order) and eventually grow.

🧑🏽 📷 Henry (our MMC):
(I want a Henry so badly) Henry is the charming, positive, understanding person we’ve all met and gravitate towards. But he is also multi-dimensional and has his own baggage. He knows what it means to try and fail, but also knows how to pick himself back up, brush it off and try again.

The way he supports everyone he meets, but specifically Bennet, is amazing. I want to be more like him. He knows his boundaries and he isn’t afraid to ask for what he needs or wants.

💁🏻‍♀️ 💎 Sonya: Bennet’s roommate / oldest friend
🙋🏻‍♀️ ☕️ Jamie: Sonya’s girlfriend
👴🏽 🍆 Sal: Bennet’s co-worker
👩🏻‍🦰 🦋 Andy: Bennet’s college bestie
🧑🏻⚾️ Sam: Andy’s brother

🚕🌇🗽 New York City:
This is really a third main character. In many ways, the city is the antagonist of Bennet’s story. But in many other ways, it’s a guardian angel. This book only spurred my love for what already was one of my favorite cities. It makes me want to plan a trip and do everything from the book!


Tropes:
🍷 Reverse grumpy / sunshine
🍕 Grief (healing / finding love again)
🍷 Strangers to friends to lovers
🍕 Cinnamon roll MMC (with a tattoo)
🍷 Slow burn (some open door scenes)
🍕 NYC adventures


Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Group Viking, and London Sperry for and ARC. This is my honest review.

Passion Project stars Bennet, who is deep in grief after losing her boyfriend. She meets Henry after a failed first date attempt and the two end up on embarking on a quest to find Bennet's passion.

I liked the idea behind this book a lot but struggled with aspects of it. I appreciate when romance books include deeper topics, like mental health, and this book handled it well for a lot of the book, but I could have used a bit more lightness for balance. The writing was a smidge cliche at times, but still enjoyable.

I absolutely adored this book, it was full of emotion so deep that I was crying little by little the whole book!

This book deals with grief and mental health struggles and was dealt with in a way that felt so so real. I loved both characters and felt their struggles especially Bennett’s so much!

Henry was so baby girl I love him he’s like a golden retriever in all the best ways! Cannot recommend this book enough!
4.5 stars!

I choose to read rom-com because I enjoy a lighthearted read. This was not that.

Bennet, suffering from anxiety and depression, was in a constant state of negativity or suspicion making this read a total downer for me.

The analogs and obvious thesaurus use were a distraction.

Most readers love this story. I did not. Stories hit everyone differently. I’m glad most enjoyed it.

4.5 Stars rounded up to 5!

Thank you NetGalley & Penguin Books for the chance to read this eARC.

"Having your shit together is not a prerequisite for love" - Jamie (my favorite quote from the book)

I absolutely adored this book. Going to go out on a limb and call it now that this will be one of the biggest romance books of 2025 (as it should be).

After losing her boyfriend Sam, Bennet Taylor is drowning with grief, working as a temp, and doing what she needs to do to barely get by. After dodging a first date with a guy named Henry, she ends up drunkenly running in to him at a restaurant. Fate continues to play it's part when Bennet is brought back to the restaurant only to again find Henry. Bennet isn't so sure about him, but opens up to him over a glass of wine by letting him know she's a mess and has no passion in life. Henry concocts a plan called the Passion Project, which would allow Bennet the chance to explore new hobbies every Saturday during the NYC summer in hopes of sparking joy and helping her unearth anything she may be passionate about.

Henry was such a charming character. He was supportive, patient, humorous, nerdy, and kind. The whole package! He slowly opened Bennet's eyes to the wonders of NYC and what it has to offer and allowed her the time to explore her feelings for him without being too pushy.

This book is heavy on grief, as Bennet learns to let go of her past, forgive herself for mistakes she made with Sam (and Henry, Sonya, Andy, etc), and discovers how to trust her heart and open up to new love and opportunity. But this book is also full of growth, encouragement, and hope.

Published on 4/8/2025, I highly recommend this one for my romance friends out there!

This book had potential and I liked the first 60% of it and then it got so frustrating that I wanted to throw my kindle out of the window. Like I know Bennet is grieving but she’s so rude and inconsiderate and it was forgivable in the first 60% but it was just one thing after the other and poor Henry is such a sweetheart character and did not deserve what she did to him. Bennet also just didn’t have much personality and this book was trying to do a lot but it flopped. Also the other characters were very one dimensional. Also very similar to promise me sunshine but not executed as well.

loved this love story and the love story of these characters finding themselves! The author handled grief and real life heavy topics so well. I cannot believe this is a debut. Will be recommending to everyone!

3.5 ⭐ rounded down

I impulsively started this book as an ARC I received from NetGalley after seeing that it was an option in my BOTM box, but not caving and selecting it as my choice for this month. In the end, I'm happy I chose a different book and stuck to just keeping this one on my kindle. I don't often invest money in romance books that aren't written by Sarah Dessen as a personal rule because usually I get frustrated--inevitably, there's always a glimpse of the miscommunication trope and I HATE THAT ONE WITH ALL OF MY BEING. So, that being said, I enjoyed reading this book (seeing as I finished it in less than 24hrs), but there were some parts of it that left me rolling my eyes.

Passion Project follows Bennet Taylor as she navigates grief and anxiety whilst living in the heart of NYC. I would say the mental health aspects of all characters involved here are represented quite well. I haven't experienced the grief Bennet does, so perhaps that's where my jaded opinion comes from on how some of her reactions to moving on with her life after her boyfriend, Sam, dies prior to the start of the novel. Bennet is set up on a dating app where she finds Henry Adams, a bartender and photographer. Bennet and Henry's chemistry feels real and organic and Sperry does an incredible job portraying it on paper. Henry pulls Bennet out of her comfort zone and they embark on finding something she's passionate about over the course of a summer. That's the main gist of this novel and it's really quite sweet!

I enjoyed this and was very glad that there wasn't really any super graphic/explicit smutty scenes (yay for my girlies that like the cleaner romance novels! but be warned, there are a couple more intense romance scenes!!) I think that if it weren't for some of Bennet's reactions and thought processes, I would have rated this 4 stars. But I was simply too frustrated with her to do that (sorry!)

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group/Viking for the eARC!! 😊