Ready or Not

“Accidental pregnancy is a love-it-or-hate-it construct for most romance fans, which could leave Cara Bastone’s friends-to-lovers entry in a tough position. But for those willing to jive with that particular plot twist—and trust me, it’s worth it—Ready or Not is an absolutely buoyant read. Vivacious and funny, Bastone’s first-person perspective through protagonist Eve traces the tricky threads of single parenthood, long-term friendship, infertility, grief, and (yes) sex with skill.”—Elle

“I’ve never read a contemporary romance novel quite like this one. This friends-to-lovers trope centers on a surprise pregnancy that’s filled with heartfelt dialogue, unexpected love and a slow burn. It’s incredible and I found myself not wanting to put it down. This story is endearing, life-affirming, and left me feeling buoyed and hopeful.”—New York Post, “The 15 Best Books We Read in February”

“Sure, this is a love story. But it’s also about all the ways love shows up. . . . And at the end of the day, that’s the ideal family, right? Never perfect but always trying.”—NPR

“This pitch-perfect rom-com . . . could be the guidebook on how to successfully execute the ‘friends-to-lovers’ trope. Bastone carefully captures the slow-burning magic of seeing someone familiar in a new light, and Shep is so wonderful he deserves a place in the Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame.”—The Washington Post

“Ready or Not is the very definition of the perfect slow burn, friends-to-lovers romance. Cara Bastone’s voice is wholly unique and sparkles with effervescence and joy. I savored every page.”—KJ Dell’Antonia, New York Times bestselling author of The Chicken Sisters

“An absolute treasure of a book! Cara Bastone gives readers a gift, and pays humanity a compliment, with this warmly witty, profoundly tender story of a love that makes the world bigger and better.”—Joanna Lowell, author of Artfully Yours
 
“A wholehearted meditation on all kinds of love, this novel is pure joy.”—Annabel Monaghan, nationally bestselling author of Same Time Next Summer

“With loads of humor, lovable characters, and a first kiss that will leave you flushed and breathless, Ready or Not is a delightfully romantic story that celebrates modern love and the excitement of the unexpected. Readers will adore Cara Bastone’s joyful, swoony novel!”—Amy Poeppel, author of The Sweet Spot

“This is a gratifyingly modern take on the accidental pregnancy trope that acknowledges a family can come in many different configurations.”—Publishers Weekly

“Funny and touching; Eve’s snappy voice and poignant vulnerability are a good match for the subject matter.”—Kirkus Reviews
 
“In this contemporary rom-com, the story jumps right into the action, and even readers who don’t like the surprise-pregnancy trope will find themselves glued to the page for more of Eve’s snark and sense of humor.”—Library Journal