Sample
  • Ready or Not

  • A Novel
  • By: Cara Bastone
  • Narrated by: Alex Finke
  • Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,034 ratings)

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Ready or Not  By  cover art

Ready or Not

By: Cara Bastone
Narrated by: Alex Finke
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Publisher's summary

A surprise pregnancy leads to even more life-changing revelations in this “absolutely buoyant read” (Elle, The Best and Most Anticipated Romance Books of 2024, So Far).

“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

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
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: Romance

Critic reviews

“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”

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

What listeners say about Ready or Not

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New Favorite

This was the most amazing listening experience I’ve had in a long time and I listen to A LOT of books. I loved the story itself so much but it was made even better by the performance. I could have kept listening Alex’s voice for hours. I loved all the characters and how authentic the story was- even the characters flaws were well fleshed out and made the story even more compelling. I am an anxious reader, and I don’t like a lot of stressful story bumps (pun intended) while I’m listening and working. But this story was a marshmallow hug and it’s my new comfort listen.

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Favorite of Cara Bastone’s books

This book has complex characters and emotions, free of usual tropes, well paced book. Sometimes Cara’s male protagonists seem a bit too emasculated for me, but it’s not the case here. Although Shep’s inner world is not described in details, what we do see of him seems congruent and sweet.  Really enjoyed it!!

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CARA BASTONE NEVER DISAPPOINTS

I was waiting for this book to come out! I have listened to all of Cara Bastone's books and I just love how fun, sweet, and light hearted they are and this one is no different!

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Adorable!

Loved this story and the narration was perfection! Wish it had a sequel! Precious, light and funny!

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A bouquet of emotions

A light and fun tone. A roller coaster of emotions. Laughter and tears. Touching and fulfilling. An extraordinary interpretation. I need to say this. At first, when I heard the name or the “reader” I was ready to be disappointed by the interpretation. Miss Finley, Alex, thank you for proving me wrong. You are an amazing interpreter. In my 200% appreciation you score 100%. Thank you ladies for the good time.

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Love Cara Bastone

Have always loved how Bastone portrays romance. It’s always so wholesome but still hits the spot. Another cozy romance, and another very dreamy man.

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Sweet story and great narrator

This was a fun loving and sweet story with a tiny bit of spice. Realistic characters and the situation was portrayed in a way that was believable. Must read!

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Cute story

Enjoyed the characters and the storyline along with great narration. Includes romance , friendship and family. Will look for more by this author.

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I will listen to this over and over

I so enjoyed this book. The narrators was amazing. I laughed so hard in sections and cried by the end

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Amazing

The main character is so funny and quirky. Funny little ways that she says stuff. I was on the edge of my seat going through this journey with her and I LOVE Shep. ❤️ What a great listen. I couldn't put it down. The reader is very committed and really emotes all the characters feelings and emotions.

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