Book Review: Unexpected Love and Found Family in Ready or Not by Cara Bastone @CaraBastone @PRHAudio

In Ready or Not, Cara Bastone delivers a touching and humorous tale of a woman navigating love, friendship, and an unexpected pregnancy.

Summary:

Eve Hatch, a woman who thrives on routine and predictability, finds her life upended by a surprise pregnancy after an unexpected one-night stand. This unplanned event forces her to reevaluate her relationships, especially with her best friend Willa and Willa’s dependable older brother, Shep, who unexpectedly becomes a supportive presence in her life. As Shep’s friendly gestures evolve into something more, Eve begins to question whether she’s been settling for less in her life and relationships. Over the course of her pregnancy, Eve navigates the complexities of her emotions and relationships, discovering that love and family can emerge in the most unexpected ways, leading to profound changes in her understanding of what she truly desires.

My Thoughts:

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone is a beautifully written, heartfelt journey that takes readers through the unpredictable twists and turns of life, love, and unexpected surprises. Bastone has quickly become an auto-read author for me, thanks to her knack for creating stories that are easy to connect to, sensitively written, and full of humour. This book is no exception.

Eve Hatch has always led a pretty predictable life, content in her cozy Brooklyn apartment, surrounded by familiar faces and a steady job. But all that changes with one uncharacteristic decision—a one-night stand that leaves her with more than just memories. Suddenly, Eve finds herself expecting a baby, and her once comfortable life is thrown into chaos.

I was immediately drawn into Eve’s journey as she navigates the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy. What I loved most about this story is how Bastone portrays the complexity of relationships during such a transformative time. Eve’s best friend, Willa, reacts coldly to the news, creating tension when Eve needs her the most. But surprisingly, it’s Willa’s older brother, Shep, who steps up in ways Eve never expected. Their relationship shift from friends to something more was beautifully done, and I found myself rooting for them as they both adapted to their new reality.

Eve’s relationship with the baby’s father, Ethan, adds another layer of complexity. He was on a break with his girlfriend when he and Eve hooked up, and now back with his girlfriend, he’s torn between his responsibilities and his girlfriend’s wishes. I appreciated how Bastone didn’t shy away from exploring Ethan’s internal conflict, giving him a nuanced portrayal that made his decisions understandable, if not always agreeable.

The entire journey is a rollercoaster of emotions, with Eve at the center, learning to adapt, to hope, and to embrace the unexpected. I particularly appreciated how Bastone didn’t wrap everything up in a neat little bow. The resolution is satisfying, but it feels real, acknowledging that life—and love—is messy, complicated, and often surprising.

The Narration:

Alex Finke was the perfect choice of narrator for this audiobook. Her expressive and enthusiastic tone brought Eve’s story to life in a way that felt both intimate and engaging. Her narration added an extra layer of depth to an already emotionally rich story.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, Ready or Not is a lovely story of unexpected love and found family, with a slow-burn romance that will make your heart swell. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Cara Bastone or new to her work, this book is a must-read.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by Cara Bastone:

Call Me Maybe

Sweet Talk

Seat Mate