Ready or Not

A Novel

De: Cara Bastone

Narrado por: Alex Finke

A surprise pregnancy leads to even more life-changing revelations in this “absolutely buoyant read” (Elle)

“Bastone delivers on this truly heartwarming, funny, and real story. Come for the dog bar, stay for the special, slow-burn romcom.”—Abby Jimenez, New York Times bestselling author

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The Washington Post, NPR, Elle

Eve Hatch lives for surprises! Just kidding. She expects every tomorrow to be pretty much the same as today. She loves her cozy apartment in Brooklyn that’s close to her childhood best friend Willa, and far from her midwestern, traditional family who has never really understood her. While her job is only dream-adjacent, it’s comfortable and steady. She always knows what to expect from her life . . . 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 tense, right when she needs her the most. And it’s actually Willa’s steadfast older brother, Shep, who steps up to help Eve. 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, as if she needs one more complication, there’s the baby’s father, who is (technically) supportive but (majorly) conflicted.

Up until this point, Eve’s been content to coast through life. Now, though—maybe it’s the hormones, maybe it’s the way Shep’s shoulders look in a T-shirt—Eve starts to wonder if she has been secretly desiring more from every aspect of her life.

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.

©2024 Cara Bastone (P)2024 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“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

Well written but not for me

I’ve loved some of this author’s Audible shorts. Her writing is really good, excellent character voice, and she really knows how to do romance. A bit spicier than I personally like.
One thing I didn’t love: while I know the author meant to present the different varied reactions to the MC’s pregnancy, I really objected to the fact that her only representation of a Christian character is one who responds in a cold and negative way. Does she think that because Christians have a specific set of personal morals, we’re all unable to be happy for and supportive of someone who makes a different choice?

The narrator is awful.

I love this story, but the narrator uses goofy voices throughout. It takes you out of the story entirely, ESPECIALLY during the spicy moments.

I definitely recommend this read. On your Kindle.

You won't be disappointed

Great storyline, fantastic narration. Cara Bastone is truly talented. Her stories draw you in and keep you locked in to the very end.

Healthy Relationships

I really liked the examples of healthy, growing relationships between most of the characters. The end passage was especially beautiful.

Romcom worthy

ADORABLE!!!! If you love cheesy romcoms this one is the one!!!

Eve was so witty and her inner monologues were my most favorite parts of the book, although the audio narrator was absolutely amazing and I think that’s what made it so great!!!

Shep was the sweetest man ever with his boy next-door energy 🥹😭 he truly just wanted to be there for Eve in any way possible despite being so in love with her. He legit would take whatever she was willing to give him .. He even cleaned up her babydaddy’s vomit like cmon people!!!!

I love how real and raw this journey was; Eve did not have it all planned out by any means and neither did Ethan. They both had their own issues but ultimately did everything in their power to be the best parents.

I wish we got an epilogue of some sort - maybe the baby’s first birthday or something so that we could see Shep and Eves relationship as well as how all three coparent together 😭

Lessons for Life

I really enjoyed this book. It made me think about the future, value the relationships I have, and the performance and how it was written was so entertaining. Overall very enjoyable.

Unbelievably good

Narration was amazing, story was riveting, the characters and storyline flowed effortlessly. Just wow.

The narrator was amazing!

This book would have gotten 5 stars if the main character wouldn’t have gotten so annoying towards the end. She became whiny and not as like able as in the beginning. It felt almost like a different character. However, I loved, loved, loved the narrator and it has to be top 2 as far as that goes.

Perfect Narration!

Fink made this story come alive. Such a comically driven tale about unexpected motherhood and all the ups and downs that come with it. It was so beautifully written, that it made you root for all of the characters. ❤️

6 Swoony Stars

Pregnancy tropes are not usually my favorite...but Cara Bastone is and she nailed this book. These characters and their story are just perfection. And! The narrator is one of the best I've heard in a long time, she reminds me of Jenna Lamia (The Help, Secret Life of Bees...) and did an outstanding job narrating. Love, Love, LOVE! I can't wait for more!