Publication Date: 13th Feb 2024
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Romance
3.5 Stars (rounded up for the author’s note)
One Liner: An entertaining read but slow
Eve Hatch has a cozy life in Brooklyn with her steady job and best friend Willa (and her brother Shep). An unexpected one-night stand leads to a surprise pregnancy, and Eve doesn’t know what to do. The baby’s father is conflicted and not sure what to do. Willa is battling her own issues and isn’t that helpful when Eve needs her the most.
However, Shep turns out to be a blessing. He is there by her side, helping her throughout. It doesn’t take long for Eve to see him as something more than a friend. But things are complicated, and she needs time to figure it out. Maybe her family can grow in unexpected ways!
The story comes in Eve’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
I admit I requested it mainly for the cover. The story is lighthearted enough yet deals with some serious themes.
Eve’s first-person narration borders on talking to the readers. It doesn’t break the fourth wall but comes close to it. This aspect is okay, but it took me a while to get used to her POV. She initially seems all over the place. Luckily, things get better as other characters support from the sides. She does grow through the book.
The pregnancy parts seem quite realistic without making it all goody and easy. The delivery part is frantic and vaguely detailed, just as how someone in that position might share her experience.
There are funny moments, so the ‘com’ of romcom is justified. The romance is a slow burn, which makes 100% sense considering the situation (even if I don’t get the vibes much).
I rather like Willa. She is a force and super confident but has her vulnerabilities. She balances Eve well (no wonder they are besties from childhood). Her conversation with Eve in the last quarter is a highlight.
Shep (I hate that name, and how do you pronounce it?) is this adorable gangly guy who is happy to see others (Eve) happy. I’d have loved his POV. Even otherwise, his emotions are easy to interpret. Ethan is much like Eve (possibly why they got attracted to each other). His character grows, too, which is good to see. I like how all of them managed to find common ground and appreciate the importance of their changing relationships.
The bond between Willa and her brother Shep is so good. They don’t have many conversations on-page, but we see how they are always there for each other and will do what it takes to protect their sibling.
The family relationships are done well without getting overly dramatic. Eve is dramatic, but it suits her personality. However, I don’t know why the book has to be 400 pages long and slow. That’s 50 pages extra. Maybe if we cut down some of Eve’s ramblings…?
Moreover, we get an HFN-ish ending with no epilogue. Come on, you can’t make me read a longer rom-com only to not give a proper, rounded ending (the fam is mentioned but doesn’t meet the baby).
The author’s note is lovely and feels straight from the heart. I’ve decided to round up the rating as it made me smile.
To summarize, Ready or Not is a decent read with some great moments, even if it is slow and drags in the middle. There’s an open-door scene in the last quarter. You may want to skim that part if it’s not your thing.
Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group (Dial Press Trade Paperback), for the eARC.
#NetGalley #ReadyOrNot
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