Started this book around 8pm. I wasn't expecting to finish this one sitting but it was almost 3am and my head hurt so much from sobbing uncontrollably. I went into this one blindly, I didn't even read the blurb and let's just say that this has become one of my favorite love stories (not only between the main characters but about them finding themselves again individually) and I am so surprised over this one being a debut. I'll be reading anything London Sperry writes from now on. This was a sweet, delicate and human story with great mental health representation.

Thank you so much to Penguin Books for the advance reader copy.

London Sperry’s debut novel is a heartfelt, honest, and engaging read, with well-developed characters and a compelling storyline that kept me turning the pages.

The book delves into themes of grief, depression, healing, wellness and personal rediscovery.

Bennet is grappling with the loss of her first love when her friends encourage her to start dating again. That’s when she meets Henry, who’s determined to help her rediscover her passion in life. 🩷

Thanks to NetGalley and the Penguin Group for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I’m thinking many of you contemporary romance readers will enjoy this answer just because I rated it low, you might rate it higher!

Quick points I wish were different:

Extremely mopey protagonist who literally I had zero connection to. I wish there was something relatable for me but I couldn’t picture her as an authentic character.

MMC was too golden retriever it was so unrealistic

Felt the humor and the plot fell flat.

What worked:

The writing style was really well done!

Loved the idea of finding love and friendship after loss

Good side characters (dare I saw I was more interested in them???)

I really am on a romantic comedy lull these days.

Similar vibes to The Last Love Note (less sad though), Is She Really Going Out With Him?, and Practice Makes Perfect.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books for this ARC!

This book was so good! It was emotional, but heartwarming in the best way.

Bennet is going through a hard time. Her life is consumed with grief and depression after a devastating loss. After she ghosts Henry on a date and they randomly meet up again, she lets him know that she isn't in a good space for a relationship. He proposes they meet up once a week to help discover her passion (aka their Passion Project). As they explore the city together and become friends, feelings develop, but is Bennet actually ready for a relationship?

This book was great. It captured grief and loss so well, while also being filled with hope. I felt for Bennet the entire book. She was struggling and needed patience as she dealt with all the feelings. Henry was the perfect person for that. He was kind, thoughtful, and funny. The ideal book boyfriend! He and Bennet were great together as they figured out what she needed to bring her back to life. I did like that she didn't just need a boyfriend to make her better; she needed professional help and time, and also friends, family, and love. The third act breakup was gut-wrenching, but made the make up even better. This was a beautiful story and I'll happily read whatever London Sperry writes next!

I'll note that this book and Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone have pretty similar plots. Read them both. They are both amazing in their own ways.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books for the e-book in exchange for my honest review!

This book wrecked me.

I cried more while reading London Sperry’s *Passion Project* than I have any other book in a hot minute. But like it was a healing cry? It was an “I feel seen” cry? Because damn if this book doesn’t have one of the most relatable representations of depression and grief I’ve ever read.

Can I just say how absolutely refreshing it was to read—in a cishet romance, that is—about a woman being a goddamned mess while the man had his life together? Like I’m sure that’s not rare, but for whatever reason most of the contemporary romances I’ve read where one of the two is a mess it’s either the man hitting rock bottom *or* the woman *is* a mess, but not really that big of a mess.

Bennet, though, is a MESS. And it felt so relatable, especially since there are times when my depression (combined with chronic illness) doesn’t let me get out of bed, shower, eat, maintain relationships, or really take care of myself. While I think some readers may be turned off by Bennet at times and maybe read her as self-centered when she can’t remember key details about her friends’ lives, as someone who has also spent plenty of time simply trying to survive, it was so real and I loved this book for it.

It also made the payoff of her figuring out what her passion was (won’t spoil it) feel that much bigger. Because it felt seriously hard-won. And while I did love Henry (sweet, compassionate Henry), this book was definitely more Bennet’s story. (Like literally, because it’s in just her POV.)

All that said, I also think some readers will really struggle with Bennet’s behavior in the third-act conflict. My experience: I read the first 80% of this book in one sitting and had to work up the nerve over the next couple of days to make it through the next few chapters because I knew it was going to be rough. But without spoiling anything, I’ll just say that, for me, it did not feel contrived, and while frustrating as hell, Bennet’s behavior was realistic, and it felt necessary for her to move forward and grow.

So yeah, I loved this. Overall, I think if you liked the vibe of Emily Henry’s *Happy Place*, then you’ll probably like this one too. This gave “life can get better” hopeful sorts of vibes, but it took a lot of tears to get there. I would definitely recommend and read again. And also I cannot believe this is a debut?!! I very much look forward to future books by London Sperry.

Many thanks to Penguin Books for the advanced reader copy!!

Passion Project was an absolute gem of a rom-com, and I can’t believe this is the author’s debut novel. London Sperry will be an auto-buy author for me, and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for the future.

Thank you to Penguin Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Passion Project. If you enjoy Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez, this will be right up your alley.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc.

I enjoyed this one. I think a lot of people will relate to Bennet, who feels directionless and unsure of what she wants to do with her life. Her love interest is sweet and patient. They embody the black cat with a golden retriever trope.

Grief is a big part of the story, but there’s also quite a bit of humor and banter. The beginning in particular was hilarious. At times, Bennet’s self sabotaging got annoying. I enjoyed the exploration of different passions but found the middle a little slow. Romance is kind of a hit or miss genre for me though, so others may not have this issue.

I highly recommend to those whose favorite Emily Henry book is Happy Place. I think the writing and some of the themes are similar. I also recommend to those who love a NYC setting. A lot of iconic NYC locations are explored throughout the story.

Passion Project is one of those feel-good rom-coms that totally sneaks up on you. At first, I thought it would be your typical lighthearted romance, but it’s actually so much more than that. Bennet Taylor is stuck in a rut – grieving, lost, and just kind of floating through life in New York City. When she accidentally reconnects with Henry Adams, the guy she just stood up, their “passion project” kicks off, and that’s where the magic really starts. The concept is super cute – trying something new every Saturday to rediscover a zest for life – and it’s equal parts hilarious, awkward, and unexpectedly heartfelt. Watching Bennet slowly come back to life through these random adventures (tattooing, carpentry, even rappelling!) is genuinely moving.

What I loved most was the dynamic between Bennet and Henry. Their friendship feels authentic, and the way their connection deepens over time is really sweet. Henry’s optimism balances Bennet’s hesitation perfectly, and the chemistry between them builds naturally rather than feeling forced. I also appreciated how the book doesn’t shy away from heavier themes like grief and healing, while still keeping the tone hopeful and light. It’s the kind of book that makes you laugh, swoon, and maybe even tear up a little. If you’re into romantic comedies with a side of self-discovery and plenty of NYC charm, this one’s definitely worth picking up!

An absolutely beautiful read! I laughed, I cried, and was rooting for Bennett and Henry the entire time. This was a stunning debut and I will look forward to reading future books by this author!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This was phenomenal. 5 big stars. I laughed and I cried. I was crying on the stair master at the gym when finishing this book. This is a beautiful love story that handles grief and moving on with tender care. I can’t wait to read what this author writes next!

Bennet is an aimless temp in NYC. She meets Henry after standing him up for a date, and they work out a plan to help her discover her passion.

This is a slow burn friends to lovers romance. Bennet is sometimes challenging to root for, as she is deep in grief from the loss of her college boyfriend. Ultimately, it is a sweet story. It does have a similar vibe to Promise Me Sunshine.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.

What an incredible debut! Loved the flow of the beginning of book; it was a fun, light, and easy read. It was both laugh out loud and emotional too. Henry was a dream and everyone’s book friend/boyfriend. He was kind, passionate and inspiring. Bennett on the other hand was stuck in the depressive phase of grief. It was uplifting reading about their adventures because it truly one takes one person to make a difference in someone’s life and Henry was that for Bennett. However, I disliked the ending and how she treated those most important to her. I also felt like there needed to be more emotion leading up to their relationship and the open door romance seemed rushed. Once it hit this point in the book, the pacing changed and felt drawn out and unrealistic/immature. Overall, I love a romance set in NYC and she truly captured the essence of the city through her words. Curious to see what she writes next!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

*Book publication date: April 8, 2025*
*Reviewed on April 6, 2024*

A book that makes me laugh, cry, AND gives me butterflies gets 5 stars!! Reading Bennet’s journey of losing love to loving again was so beautiful! I could not put this book down.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am a sucker for books about self-discovery, love after loss, and overcoming mental health problems. This one has it all. It was genuinely one of the best books I have read this year, and I cannot believe it is a debut book.

This book reminded me of First-Time Caller with its witty banter and authentic portrayal of real-life struggles. It also brought Promise Me Sunshine to mind—especially in how it explores mental health and the journey of rediscovering yourself after loss—but somehow, it hits even harder emotionally.

The dynamic and love that builds between the characters felt very natural. I love how their relationship starts off as friends and gradually develops into something more. This was perfect for our FMC because she has alot of guilt and grief to face throughout the book.

The last 20% of this book is a smidge messy. I was not a fan of how things played out at the wedding. The author does wrap up the ending in a way that’s meant to feel satisfying, but it didn’t quite land for me—it just didn’t feel like something that would realistically happen after everything that unfolded. However, that is my one and only complain. I would recommend this book and I cannot wait to read more from this author.


Tropes 💌
- slow burn
- nyc setting
- friends to lovers
- grief
- grumpy x sunshine
- love after loss

Warning: If you don't want to read about how people go through grief, don't read this book. Also don't read it right before bed or work if you don't want to have puffy eyes if you're a deep feeler like me!!

I love that the characters (main and side) are well developed and you come to love them. Who wouldn't love Henry, this easygoing, pleasant to be around, calm, constant presence? But remember, those people need space to feel different things too! Nobody is ever ALWAYS happy!

I wanted to shake Bennett a few times to be like come on, let the people that love you in and let yourself be happy again!! Talk to your people, let the guilt go!!! It happens but it took quite a while.

Overall, I was a mess with emotions, loved the banter, Henry Bennett inside jokes, and all the ways in which they come to live again. If you loved Promise me sunshine by Cara Bartone, you'll love this one!!

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC!

More of a 4.5. I was a big fan of this book. Not only was Bennet relatable as a young woman, but the parts representing her anxiety were the most relatable. Henry was a fun character and it was nice to see a character act with such grace when Bennet revealed her past. It also could not have portrayed grief in a more accurate and relatable way as well. The book itself was an easy read which I love as well.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I loved the concept of Passion Project, but it missed the mark for me. Henry was such a sweet MMC and the dates he planned were very unique and fun.

Unfortunately, the FMC, Bennet, was insufferable. I never connected with her and I struggled to believe she was actually overcoming any of the obstacles she was facing. I never got invested in Henry and Bennet’s relationship which is really defeats the point of reading a romance.

I don’t know if I have words to articulate just how much I loved this book. I don’t think a book has ever made me smile and cry in such equal measures. I was a complete puddle by the time I finished, but in a good way. This story grabbed my heart in the best and most profound way. Passion Project is a love story, a journey of self-discovery and giving yourself permission to live, and a love letter to summers in New York. Bennet moves to NYC to escape personal tragedy and finds herself miserable, unmotivated, and directionless. After a disastrous would-be first date with Henry, he convinces her to let him help her find her passion (as a friend). At the start of the book I thought this would be a feel-good, lighthearted read, and although it did leave me feeling warm and fuzzy, it was somehow so much more than that. The way this book dealt with grief was so raw and moving. It felt very real and made this the type of book that will stick with you for a long time - and if you’ve dealt with trying to move on while grieving, it might just heal you a little bit too. Reading this felt like reading the adult version of the John Green books I obsessed over in high school, and that’s pretty much the highest compliment I can give. I think what I always loved about his books was the idea that opening yourself up to vulnerability can completely change your life - and Bennet’s story in Passion Project is the perfect example of that.

I know a lot of people like their romances light and fluffy. I enjoy light and fluffy romances too! But there’s a special place in my heart for romances like Passion Project. They celebrate love, but they don’t shy away from the hard stuff. The way the author dealt with difficult topics like grief, anxiety, and depression while simultaneously weaving in the most lovable characters (Sal!) and a plethora of feel-good moments was so special. Reading this felt like watching my favorite 2000s romcoms, but with more depth. I smiled, I cried, I deeply regretted not reading the physical version of this book so I could physically hug it to my chest after I finished it. I fell hard for Bennet and Henry and seeing their story unfold brought me so much joy. This one is out April 8th and believe me when I say you *need* to add it to your TBR.

The quote that will stick with me the most from this one: “Here, I’m broken, but in a beautiful way, in a way that all my pieces reflect light and color; not darkness.”

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A good debut and I understand why lots of people are loving!! This just wasn’t really my romance vibe 😭 the grief stuff is a lot and I was getting tired of Bennet’s self sabotage. I guess that’s the point? To understand how hard it is for someone to fight their way out of depression. Something was missing for me with the Sam storyline but idk what. I was so annoyed of how she acted at the wedding 🫠🫠🫠 but loved Henry and all of the side characters!! The writing was good and I’d def be interested in more books by this author in the future!

This book was such a treat! The perfect balance of fun, summer rom-com, and more serious discussions of grief and how it looks different for everyone. 

A passion project is the cutest plot for a romance book probably ever. The perfect plot, no notes. There are so many fun adventures in here that made it so much fun to read. It was a pleasant reminder to make time to try new things and go on adventures every once in a while.

I loved how from the very beginning Henry respects Bennet and her boundaries. No pressure, just the option to do something exciting if she's up for it. An author can truly never go wrong naming their MMC Henry. He's a very sweet and understanding love interest, perfect for Bennet and the grief she is experiencing throughout the book.

My main, and only, gripe is the third-act breakup. Why!!! It was a very frustrating point that honestly was unnecessary to the plot and Bennet's character development. Sperry almost lost me here and I had to put the book down for a minute to take some deep breaths. I empathize with Bennet and her struggles with grief and depression, but you don't treat people this way. These were conversations that were already had, so it just felt repetitive and contrived. The resolution is then rushed as there's only so much more left in the book, and I wish it was something Bennet and Henry worked on for a little longer before jumping back in.

Overall, though, this was such a cute read and I'm so glad I picked it up!