ugh so good. 🥹

what a beautiful story of love, life and grief. and how they all all can co-exist. a moment of silence for Henry and just how perfect he is.

I do believe he deserved a little bit better during the 3rd act breakup. but other than that..this is such a beautiful story!

It's not often that a romance book that addresses mental health pops up on my radar, but when this one did, I put in an ARC request for it that was approved just after its publication; Passion Project lived up to the hype. Well written characters, emotions that are explored, a slow burn romance with just a bit of spice, and settings that are described so well that I felt like I was there. It's not often that I can relate to emotional aspects or characters in a romance book, but this one I did. Sperry's debut has me looking forward to reading her future works.

Thanks to @netgalley and Viking Penguin for this ARC read!

I picked this debut up after seeing a lot of glowing reviews but I found the FMC, Bennett, hard to root for. Yes, she experienced trauma but she was extremely selfish and the third act conflict was hard to overcome. Henry deserved better.

That being said, I enjoyed the writing and will be interested in reading whatever the author writes next.

3.5 stars rounded up

Thanks to Penguin for the copy to review.

I liked Passion Project! I thought this was well written with great banter and NYC descriptions! I would have rated this higher but the third act break up and conflict lowered my rating and made me not think the couple will be HEA. I will definitely read what London Sperry writes next! Fans of Promise Me Sunshine will enjoy this, they are pretty similar!

Passion Project by London Sperry is a relatable and engaging novel that explores themes of ambition, self-discovery, and the pursuit of one's dreams. While readers may find it shares some similarities with "Promise Me Sunshine" by Cara Bastone, Sperry’s novel has its own unique narrative and charm.

The story follows a protagonist grappling with the challenges of chasing her passions while managing the complexities of her relationships and personal life. The plot unfolds at a lively pace, blending moments of introspection with external conflicts that highlight the character's growth and journey toward fulfillment.

One of the standout features of "Passion Project" is its likable cast of characters. They are well-crafted and relatable, making it easy for readers to empathize with their struggles and aspirations. The dynamics between characters add depth to the narrative, creating heartfelt interactions that enrich the overall reading experience.

Although some readers may perceive parallels to "Promise Me Sunshine," the familiarity in the storyline does not detract significantly from the enjoyment of "Passion Project." Sperry's engaging writing style, combined with warm moments of humor and emotion, brings the story to life and invites readers into the protagonist’s world.

Overall, "Passion Project" is an enjoyable read that showcases London Sperry's ability to create authentic characters and meaningful narratives. While it may tread familiar ground for those acquainted with "Promise Me Sunshine," it remains a worthwhile exploration of following one's dreams and nurturing relationships, making it a solid addition to contemporary fiction collections.

I DEVOURED THIS BOOK.
I didn’t even know I was an insta-love girly until Henry and Bennet crashed into my heart and refused to leave. Their chemistry? Electric. Their emotional depth? Devastatingly beautiful. Bennet’s struggle with depression was portrayed with such raw honesty and empathy—it wrecked me in the best way. And Henry? SWOON. That man is pure golden-retriever energy wrapped in a flannel shirt.

This book isn’t just a romance; it’s a gut-punch of feels about love, healing, and fighting for your happiness. The ending had me ugly crying—like, full-on, tissue-required sobbing. If you love stories that blend heart-stopping passion with profound emotional weight, Passion Project is an absolute must-read.

Praise for London Sperry for her debut novel Passion Project!!!

For a debut novel, I was HIGHLY impressed. I have been feeling as though I haven't read a truly good romance book in a very long time, and right when I thought I wouldn't find a romance that peaked my interest, I found Passion Project. An incredibly raw take on grief, love, forgiveness, and finding out about who you are. The characters were lovable, frustrating, and real and that was exactly what I was looking for. I want a real life Henry! He was goofy and honest, and I loved every second reading about him. I also loved Bennet -- our FMC who at times frustrated the hell out of me, but somehow always found a way to wrap herself around my heart. London Sperry is truly a force to be reckoned with and any book she releases I will be the first in line to read.

This will definitely be the book of the spring/summer and I will be telling all of my friends to read it!

Thank you to Penguin Group Viking and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this title to read and review. "Passion Project" is an absolutely gorgeous story, and such an enjoyable read. It's a great debut for London Sperry, and I'll be looking out for more works in the future for sure.

This book is a love story to young people finding their way, to folks finding love again and redefining treasured old friendships after/in the midst of loss and grief, and to those of us who feel stuck in what we want to do with our lives. I ADORE the character of Henry, and will just say EVERYONE NEEDS A HENRY IN THEIR LIFE, and every one of us could be the Henry in someone else's life. He's such a light, and a soft place to land, that I had trust in him every page through. He also models active love in all of his actions - how you can show up for people, be there, and anticipate their needs in gorgeously loving ways, without flattening your own self and your own needs in the process.

It's hard to root for Bennet because she just keeps hurting people at every turn (as if she can't help but do the wrong thing always), but I still think she deserves the love and friendships that she finds - so that's such a moment of realization. I'd recommend it all around!

This is a great debut romance with witty banter between the two very likable main characters. Bennet is still mourning her first love Sam, who has passed away. She moves to NYC like they had planned, but is not really "living". So her friends try to help her by creating a dating app profile for her and setting her up with Henry.
The passion project of the title is Henry's attempt to help Bennet find something she's passionate about to help her get back on her feet. The main part of the story follows them on different adventures throughout the city while ?maybe? developing feelings for each other.
I really enjoyed this story due to the chemistry between Bennet and Henry. I also loved her female friends who are trying to help her through the grief. The only thing that kept this from being a 5-star read was how the full backstory was revealed almost at the very end, and didn't feel to me like it completely explained Bennet's behavior in the first part of the book (no spoilers).
London Sperry is definitely an author I will be watching. I can't wait to read what she reads next!
Thanks to #PenguinGroup #Viking for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this story of Bennet’s journey through grief and her relationship with Henry. It was a quick read yet full of serious emotion. I will look for more from London Sperry!

3.75 stars

I enjoyed this story but felt like I had read it before. It was very reminiscent of Cara Bastone's Promise Me Sunshine..

New York setting. FMC dealing with crippling grief, not letting herself move on. The MMC helping her find her way.

I really love Henry though. I enjoy bucket list stories and Henry was so sweet and fun in his efforts to help Bennet.

SPOILERS
I feel like the character of Bennet could have used some more development. Her grief and feelings of guilt felt so real only for her to do a one-eighty into her relationship with Henry. Then back into grief and then back into love. All without the help of the therapist she eventually started seeing.

I'm looking forward to seeing what's next from this author.

Please check trigger warnings. Possible triggers: death of a loved one (before the book opens), parent with dementia.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this rom com with depth. The characters, while flawed, were likable I also particularly enjoyed the NYC setting. It's a rom com, so we know what we're going to get in the end, but I found myself really enjoying the journey. I also found myself laughing out loud a few times. Highly recommend!

Okay I am OBSESSED. This book hurt so good!!! I laughed, I cried, & I swoooned for sure

Bennet was going through SO much & wanted to keep whatever she could concealed in order to appease the people she cared about. She was really just trying to survive after the loss she went through, but Henry was able to break through the shell by being her friend 😭

Henry!!!! My golden retriever guy!!!! I loved him so much!!! He was so patient & kind & just an overall GOOD person. He was able to relate to Bennet & her ability to compartmentalize emotions in the presence of others because he also did that with his goofy personality.

These two just meshed so well & I cannot express how much I adored them yet also wanted to strangle them when they wouldn’t just admit they lovef each other!!!

I also think this book was super fun for me as I lived in NYC for a few years & that allowed me to really immerse myself into all the places Henry & Bennet went together 🥹

Read if you love -
🩵 Romcom Vibes
🍸 Mental Health rep
🚖 He’s obsessed with her
🍕 Single pov
🤗 Friends to Lovers

Huge thank you to London Sperry, NetGalley & Penguin books for my advanced copy 🫶🏻

There’s something so pure about a person who loves someone through grief. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions that you can’t help and having someone love you along side that isn’t an easy feat. Bennet makes some bad decisions, she’s selfish, she made me angry but also want to give her the biggest hug. There were definitely a few moments where her self sabotage was extremely frustrating, but the way Henry gives her the space to feel her feelings all while supporting her was major green flag energy. I loved all of the passion project dates these two go on, it helps what is a heavy story feel a bit lighter and more hopeful. Watching their friendship and trust develop while they are running around NYC was such a good way to rewrite the idea of the city for Bennet. I loved how raw all of the emotions feel throughout this story and how much healing these two go through by the end.

It doesn't take a day, a week or a month to experience.
It can take years.
A single moment can trigger it.

What's that the reader may ask? Grief.

As much as this is a romance novel, the author realistically portrays how grief can unmoor you from prior path, how it can shrink your world to the most minute routines and how it can unravel friendships.

Bennet Taylor of the two first names is challenged by Henry Adams, also of first two names. Their relationship is like a bud in the spring, slowly unfurling but not without some thorns along the way.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, PENGUIN GROUP Viking | Penguin Books, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#PassionProject #NetGalley

First of all, a moment for this beautiful cover! 💗 I think my favorite part of this book was its love letter to NYC.

To be honest, I had a hard time deciding on my star rating. Overall, I did enjoy reading this book. I think what I struggled the most with was how much miscommunication was used in the plot with her ex-boyfriend's family, her best friend from college, her roommate/friend, and her love interest. I got to a point where I was so frustrated with how many of her problems could be solved with a five minute phone call or even a text. Henry, the love interest, is the world's most understanding man. 😅

Bottom line: Cute, but I would like to have seen less of a reliance on the miscommunication trope.

Bennett is depressed and living in NYC. Her college boyfriend died a few years ago and she's yet to move on. Her best friend who is also her roommate insists on setting her up on a date with Henry. Bennett has so much anxiety she doesn't even go, getting really drunk in a restaurant across the street. The next day she realizes she left her wallet in the bathroom and is forced to return.

However, Henry actually works as this restaurant and has her wallet. For reasons she doesn't really understand he wants to befriend her and help her find her passion. So every Saturday, they'll meet up and try something new. She's terrified but agrees and slowly starts to fall for Henry.

I overall enjoyed it. There are a lot of sensitive topics but they are handled in a way of care at the same time and well done with being informative and raw/ real.

I loved the MMC, Henry, he definitely added so much to the story as he handled his own grief and helping the FMC through her anxiety etc. it was lovely to see and pills at the heartstrings.

Romance was the center of this book but it was just enough throughout the book to keep you supporting the characters and their growth together.

I loved the concept of this, but I wasn’t a fan of the execution at all.

I didn’t believe the chemistry between Bennet and Henry. I feel like he wanted to be with her more than she wanted to be with him. Sometimes it felt like she didn’t even like him at all. The spice wasn’t even good and made me cringe.

I really did not like Bennet. It felt like she was constantly making decisions she knew would hurt the people around her and then got defensive if they called her out. It felt like she was using her grief and depression as an excuse for treating people horribly. I found myself constantly rolling my eyes at her actions and words. I literally liked every side character more than I liked Bennett, which is a problem…

The character development was nonexistent. I like to see characters evolve and grow both personally and in their relationships and it simply didn’t exist in this book. Just when I thought there might be a smidge of development from Bennet, she’d go and do something that put her right back where she was.

Henry is too damn good for Bennet and deserved SO much better.

The only two things I liked about this book were the NYC setting and the message that you don’t have to have your life together to deserve love.

PASSION PROJECT review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

🌆What a debut. 👏 I picked this one up solely because the plot synopsis sounded sad and tbh sad books are my jam. While it definitely had some sad moments, it was also heartwarming!

🌆Here’s a summary of the plot:👇
Bennet is grieving the death of her boyfriend and feels like her life has no purpose. When she meets Henry, he decides to spend every weekend helping Bennet trying new things to discover her life’s passion.

🌆I loved the NYC in the summer setting! Honestly this book made me want to go back to New York. The third act conflict wasn’t my fave and I didn’t feel it was totally necessary? But otherwise I really enjoyed and can’t wait to see what this author writes next!