What a GEM of a book!
I loved the premise, love that we had a main character that isn’t just thriving and living a glam life, but she had to work to find it for herself.

London Sperry I’m a fan!

4.25 stars - this was a great debut! The story follows Bennet, who is lost and grieving the loss of someone close to her, and Henry as they embark on a mission to find her “passion” (hence Passion Project). I thought Bennet was a very relatable character, and the discussion around anxiety, depression, and grief was extremely well done. One of the great things with the writing and characters was that they felt like real people, so it was easy to relate and feel for Bennet on her journey. Henry was a great addition to the story, but it really was much deeper and tracks Bennet’s personal growth over the course of the summer. A lot of the adventures Bennet and Henry take through New York were really fun and very reminiscent of Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone. Despite the similarities, the characters felt new and authentic. I will say that some of the plot points and dialogue came across as a bit cliché, but it worked with how well the story was developed. The writing was also great and very reminiscent of Abby Jimenez, Ashley Poston, and Jessica Joyce. Overall, great debut and will definitely pick up more from this author in the future.

What a great surprise! This heartfelt debut gave me Jessica Joyce vibes, and I say that in a very complimentary way. I decided to dive into this one based only on the vibrant cover and intriguing blurb, but I stuck around because of the chemistry, banter, and complex storyline. It’s a layered mix of women’s fiction and romance, following a heroine who has been stuck in slow motion since the sudden death of her boyfriend a few years ago. Our extroverted, golden retriever hero is the perfect person to help her find a spark of joy, and their slow-burning romance was a treat. I loved that the story could be heavy and emotional one minute, then playful and fun the next. My only complaint is that it could’ve been a little longer, but that’s mostly because I genuinely enjoyed my time with these characters. A definite win for me!

The story follows Bennet, a woman who is stuck going nowhere. After the death of her college boyfriend, Bennet stopped thinking about her own goals and aspirations, instead choosing to work a series of temporary jobs while living in a city she didn’t choose. So when Bennet’s friends encourage her to go on a date and she realizes that she is still not ready, the last thing Bennet expects is to form a friendship with the guy she ghosted. When Henry learns why their date was derailed, he convinces Bennet to go on a friendly adventure instead. They could both use some company, and Henry is determined to help Bennet find something she’s passionate about. As the two explore the city, they develop a friendship that might just become a foundation for love.

I went into this with zero expectations and was quickly hooked. I loved Henry from the start, this extroverted sweetheart who seems to genuinely care. Much of the book is spent with Bennet and Henry wandering around the city together, learning to love the place they live and coming alive in the process. Bennet isn’t magically healed by Henry’s friendship, but you can see her slowly come out of the fog of grief. They have fantastic chemistry throughout, with playful vibes that grow richer and deeper as their relationship evolves. We don’t get Henry’s perspective, but that worked for the story – Bennet’s journey is just as integral as the romance. I do think the story would’ve been elevated even further by a few more romantic moments, but the whole thing is really about their love. If this is Sperry’s debut, then I am definitely excited to see more from her – it was a memorable and complex read.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an early release of this debut novel. Good character development, depth, and a great message. Especially loved Henry (swoon)💕 Excited to read more by this author!

This debut kept me reading past my bedtime- I finished it in one night! It’s a hopeful romance, but there were tears shed as well. I won’t lie, I wanted to shove the FMC into therapy, but I understand her actions and thoughts. Loved the NYC setting and the connection between the main characters.

As someone born in NYC, I was hooked immediately. Not only did I love the premise, but I was laughing just a few pages in. By the end, I was crying. Love and grief were wrapped together to make a beautiful story.

Following Henry and Bennet around Manhattan was like visiting my old hometown along with them! I love when characters aren't incredibly successful and are still finding their own feet in the world. It makes them flawed, but incredibly real.

Henry and Bennet falling in love was like all of your favorite love songs. Their chemistry was SO cute! I could tell this was going to be a five-star read for me early on in the book, and I devoured it in just days.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group for this arc!

One of the most healing and beautiful books I’ve read! Mental heath + grief representation was so on par and handled with so much grace. This book was SO REAL! The loved the pacing of this story and setting. 100000% recommend! Absolutely beautiful!!!!

I would never have guessed that this was a debut novel for the author - it was so well written! 4.25 stars overall!

The book follows main character, Bennet Taylor, as she navigates her grief following the death of her college boyfriend. A few years after his death, she’s really struggling - feeling stuck, depressed, and anxious. That is until she meets, Henry Adams, who helps her start her “passion project” - as friends…and he pushes her to choose to start living again for herself.

Although the book deals with pretty heavy topics, it’s done very well and leaves you feeling hopeful.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Penguin Books for the advanced reader copy. Check it out on April 8th when it’s released!

5⭐ (If I can rate this infinite stars I would)

Thank you for Netgalley and London Sperry for the eARC. I will be purchasing this book once it hits stores :)

Blurb: Bennet has been battling with depression ever since the death of her boyfriend, Sam, and moved to NYC to fulfill his dreams. Ever since moving there, she hasn't loved New York the way that she thought and has been stunted by her depression. She is set up on a date with Henry to try to lift her spirits but after that epically fails, they stay friends and Henry agrees to help Bennet re-find her passion.

My GOODNESS gracious. Ms. Sperry, you have found yourself a superfan. You are now an autobuy author. This book was visceral and heartwrenching and while I don't have firsthand experience in depression, but in my opinion, I think it was written in a way that readers can relate to it and empathize with it. There were many times where I found myself also frustrated with Bennet every time she got in the way of her own happiness, but you can couldn't help but empathize with her pain.

This book was heavy for me, but I'm very happy I read it. This was a love letter to New York - its inhabitants, its way of life and the city itself. It makes me miss the city and it made me want to book a trip to NYC and undergo my Passion Project too! Its witty and funny conversations and the way Henry was just so understanding made this book even better.

(I will post my review on bookstagram sooner to the release date, April 8th).

Now this was GOOD.

I applaud London Sperry for writing what felt like an accurate depiction of depression and anxiety, and painting such a raw portrait of grief and how it follows you for years. I fell in love with Bennet almost immediately because I could relate to her. She’s floating in a city that she doesn’t understand and that doesn’t understand her, she feels like she’s a burden on everyone around her, and her room is a mess. She really is a well developed character with real and believable emotions—so well done that even when she self-sabatoged, you understand why she did it—and it makes the reader want to cheer her on (which I did!). There’s a cast of lovable and quirky characters that keeps you reading, and then there's Henry.

Henry! Henry is Bennet’s opposite in almost every way, and also might be the love of my life. Who doesn’t love an understanding, gorgeous, and patient MMC? The chemistry between him and Bennet was tangible and I was eating it up every step of the way. I love a friends to lovers done right, and oh boy was this done right.

I loved the message portrayed throughout this book. That it’s okay to not know what you want to do in your twenties, to be in a foreign city and feel like you don’t fit in, to mourn your first love and still find the courage to fall for your second, that a boy won’t fix all your problems and you’ll probably still need to go to therapy. That friendship is so important! I do wish there was a bit more family focus but that’s personal preference and doesn’t take away from the book as it is now!

True rating is 4.5 because the last 12% (yes, twelve!) had me looking at my invisible camera in shock and rage.

brb going to New York immediately.

I’ll be posting my review on my instagram sometime this week @readbylydiaa and will talk about it in my monthly wrap up on my tiktok @readbylydiaa!

I LOVE THIS BOOK SOOO MUCH!!! I was soo hooked from the very first chapter and I knew it was going to be one of my favouritea this year! The portrayal or grief and depression was so real that it made me cry soo much!

Thank you to the publisher for an ARC!

This was a non traditional romance in the sense that grief was basically a third character. I really enjoyed how Bennett had to grapple with her grief and her journey to self acceptance was great to see. I loved Henry, and found him to be such a patient and kind guy. Exactly what Bennett needed.

Bennett could be a frustrating character because she frequently self sabotaged and hurt the people who love her most. While this is relatable and real for many people dealing with grief and depression, I almost wish it wasn’t a love story. I couldn’t help but feel bad for Henry during multiple parts of the book. I’m glad they got there in the end though.

While Bennett’s depression could be frustrating to read through as a reader, I also thought it was a really well done portrayal. It wasn’t glossed over, or made to feel like something that could be gotten over as soon as she found a guy, which I really appreciated. She had to do a lot of healing and I was glad she had Henry there to help her through it. I appreciated that a point was made to say that she alone was responsible for her healing and growth.

Overall this was a great read and I loved the character growth.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This may be Sperry's debut book, but it didn't feel like it (in a good way). This book encompasses the real feelings of grief while adding heart and humor. This book also felt like a love letter to New York City, and I was vibing with it as a former resident there.

London managed to write phenomenal in-depth characters, with great development and a form of storytelling that just drags you into their world head first. Additionally, Henry might be one of my favorite MMCs overall. He's just such a joy to read about. He is the embodiment of a green flag MMC. His character is just a giant hug, saying, "If he wanted to, he would." He shows up for Bennet without expectations just because it's who he is, and he cares. Although this was told from Bennet's POV, there was enough to satisfy me with Henry, but I wish he had a bit more backstory.

It is important to note that grief is a significant theme of the book. How it was approached made me think of Cara Bastone's Promise Me Sunshine in the best possible way, in which myriad emotions are tied with grief. It felt like a multidimensional read while also being sweet and easy to read. I cannot wait for it to go out into the world for everyone to love. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

Read if you like:
- Golden retriever/black cat
- One bed
- Single POV
- Friends to lovers

Passion Project reminded me a lot of another book I recently read - Promise Me Sunshine. Both books dealt with grief, but in a beautiful way. For a debut - I really enjoyed Passion Project. It had me laughing out loud (so many funny moments amidst the heavier topics of grief), but also feeling for these characters that are trying to make it work. I enjoyed Henry and Bennett's relationship and the fact that Bennett doesn't trust easily, but Henry is still there for her. Overall I enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading more from London Sperry!

Oh my god, I LOVED this book 😭❤️‍🩹 From the very first chapter I just knew it was gonna be a new favorite and I was SO right. I was honestly shocked to find out this is the author’s debut novel bc the writing is a thousand times more captivating than so many books I’ve read. The way depression and grief were portrayed felt incredibly real, anyone who’s been through it will definitely see themselves in at least some of what the protagonist goes through.

Not gonna lie, I went in expecting a romcom but I definitely cried at least seven times before I lost count (maybe bc I related to the protagonist a little too much). But at the same time I had so much fun too, I don’t even know how to put my love for Henry into words, I just wish everyone had someone like him at least once in their life. My only complaint is how Bennet treated him during the third act drama/breakup, I absolutely hated the whole wedding chapter :( but tbh I loved everything else so much that it didn’t even affect my final rating.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me access to the eARC for this title.

Holy cow, this book is beautiful and HEAVY.

Bennet is struggling after the loss of her boyfriend, when they were at a crucial point in their lives trying to decide what their futures would look like. To loose such a vital part of her, while she was deciding who she wanted to be when she grew up, left her in a holding pattern. she’s to scared, too consumed in her grief and just too lost to move forward.

enter Henry. can Henry be the person to help her out on the other side ? Henry too is struggling with his own internal battles, but can they both use their own struggles to be better together?

This is a love story, but it is also a story of overcoming grief. of working through depression, of what the journey of depression can do to a person and how it can just completely overt take every aspect of their life.

Bennet is lucky to have some awesome people in her life who care enough to push her to the other side. While reading this book I cried, I screamed, I cheered and my heart broke and was mended. it is truly a STUNNING debut novel for London Sperry.

I adored this book so much. It immediately hooked me and never dropped my interest. I wanted to savor it and not finish it too fast because I knew I was going to miss it - however, I read it in 12 hours because I couldn't put it down. I loved the MMC and thought he was just so perfect. I think the author did a good job of discussing such a heavy topic in a healthy and relatable way. I just loved it so much and I am already looking forward to rereading soon.

I enjoyed this book. I went into it thinking it would be another cute romantic story about two people meeting and doing fun adventures every weekend, but it is so much more. The two main characters, Bennet and Henry are both dealing with their forms of grief. Bennet is deep into her depression - not seeing friends, not taking care of herself, etc. Henry is dealing with his own form of grief. His isn't shown on the outside, he keeps much of his in and works very hard to show a positive outlook towards other people. I enjoyed reading about how Henry works to help Bennet break free. I would suggest this book to others and anyone grieving.

Passion Project is a fantastic debut that beautifully portrays characters dealing with grief and discovering how to begin again. Bennett has been struggling ever since the loss of her boyfriend and needs a friend to push her out of her comfort zone. Enter Henry, who makes it his mission to help Bennett find her passion after she stands him up on a disastrous blind date.

Bennett has an incredibly emotional journey throughout the story. She emerges as a better person and friend while learning to cope with her grief. She has a supportive team with Henry, Sonya, and Jaime and slowly learns to let them in and accept help.

The relationship development was sweet and a perfect slow-burn from friends to more. Henry is supportive of Bennett but doesn’t push her when she is obviously unsure of not just their relationship but herself. They have different backstories, but they are both going through so much at a young age and evolve together during their weekly projects.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Viking for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

London Sperry handled Bennet’s grief and guilt authentically. Her emotional paralysis felt real—she’s not just sad, she’s stuck, unable to see a future beyond her loss.

What stood out was her gradual, messy healing process. The “passion project” wasn’t a magical fix, it was a slow process of confronting emotions. Her growth wasn’t linear there were setbacks, doubts, and moments of resisting happiness because it felt like a betrayal. This internal struggle made her breakthrough feel earned.

Henry’s optimism and Bennet’s grief created a dynamic that deepened their interactions. He didn’t pressure her, but he also didn’t let her hide. Instead of grand romantic gestures, he slowly earned her trust, allowing her to grow at her own pace.

What I loved most was that their romance wasn’t just about attraction—it was about connection, understanding, and timing. Bennet needed to heal before she could love again, and Henry was patient, supportive, and willing to wait. When they finally crossed that line, it felt natural, like something that had been building. The chemistry, emotional depth, and tension were all well-done, making this one of the best slow-burn, friends-to-lovers stories I’ve read.

By the end, it wasn’t just about falling in love again (though the romance was well-done), but about Bennet learning to feel joy and excitement again. Grief doesn’t disappear, but it doesn’t have to hold you back from embracing life. Many readers will see themselves in Bennet’s journey, and that emotional depth made this story special.