REVIEW: Ready or Not by Cara Bastone

OUR REVIEW:

I grabbed this one based on a recommendation from another book blogger (is that even a thing anymore? it sorta feels like I'm the only one actually writing these these days...a topic for another day..). Anyway, I when she mentioned a surprise pregnancy, I knew I had to try it. I don't know why that's such a fascination for me, but I'm always curious about how author's are going to resolve the obvious built in conflict that exists. In Ready or Not, I found Eve's choices and unease to be relatable while also thinking she had no idea what she was about to get into. I love that she had a Shep in her life- one person who was her constant cheerleader, helper, supporter...her everything. And yet, it took her a hot minute to figure out that his interest in her wasn't just pure friendship. That was a smidge annoying and yet I guess it also worked because I stuck with them to the very end and felt very satisfied with how it all went down. 

Surprisingly more serious, exploring more than I anticipated, and a little slower than I might have wanted, but all in all a solid read. 

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SYNOPSIS:

A surprise pregnancy leads to even more life-changing revelations in this heartfelt, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance of found family and unexpected love.

Eve Hatch is pretty content with her life. Her apartment in Brooklyn is cozy and close to her childhood best friend Willa, but far from her midwestern, traditional family who never really understood her. While her job is only dream- adjacent , she’s hoping her passion and hard work will soon help her land a more glamorous role. And sure, her most recent romantic history has consisted of not one but two disappointing men named Derek. At least she always knows what to expect…until she finds herself expecting after an uncharacteristic one-night stand.

The unplanned pregnancy cracks open all the relationships in her life. Eve's loyal friendship with Willa is feeling off , right when she needs her most. And it’s Willa’s steadfast older brother, Shep, who steps up to help. He has always been friendly, but now he’s checking in, ordering her surprise lunches, listening to all her complaints, and is… suddenly kinda hot? Then there’s the baby's father, who is supportive but conflicted. Before long, Eve is rethinking everything she thought she knew about herself and her world.

Over the course of nine months, as Eve struggles to figure out the next right step in her expanding reality, she begins to realize that family and love, in all forms, can sneak up on you when you least expect it.