5⭐

LOVED:
- Just so much about this was so lovely. I really liked the idea of the Passion Project itself and the two of them, Henry and Bennet, exploring new things for both of them. It just really worked for me. I’m genuinely shocked that this book is a debut because its character beats are just really stunning at points.
- Bennet is a very complex character and I really empathized with her and loved her.. I can see people who read this complaining about her being immature - because she is and that’s the point. She’s supposed to be emotionally stunted after what happened with her ex-boyfriend Sam and she is not sure how to continue her life as her life. She struggles with her mental health to the point of severe depressive episodes that were incredibly relatable to someone who also struggles with their own mental health. I also understood her need to not seem insensitive or selfish in front of Sam’s family and the whole everything of how she felt with Henry in the last act of the book. It was so hard to read, but I found that to be a good thing since it felt grounded.
- Oh boy. Oh Henry. Not my weakness of a character trope with someone who feels they’re only good for what other people see them as - in Henry’s case that would be constantly being expected to be ‘charming’. And the last act just broke my heart. I just love him. And the beginning is so good for him, too. His desire to make friends? And seeing him do that? Just incredible. I also just loved his little character quirks like his skin getting blotchy when he was embarrassed and his glasses, etc. What a good boy.
- Jamie is so good as a side character. Sal is also just adorable. The other side characters were alright (for the most part) but those two were so enchanting.
The epilogue felt like real closure which I LOVED. It let us know how everyone was doing without closing the loop entirely on the story of the characters which I think was just done masterfully.
- This cover is so lovely. But…what is her outfit. It makes her look like a teenager and pushes this into looking more YA, which is just a bummer.
I loved that this book made me cry. That is NOT easy. But the Andy’s wedding was just an emotional roller-coaster for me and I was more than here for it.

LAMENTED:
- Why were there so many mentions of alcohol. I get in the beginning and when they’re at the restaurant, but there are so many side mentions of alcohol all the time (like grabbing the hard seltzers when they’re leaving is apartment? Was that necessary?) It just felt like a lot.
- Sarah felt unnecessary and just there to add drama for the sake of drama. I don’t think anything would have really changed if she wasn’t there. Or wasn’t as antagonistic. It just felt kind of uninspired for a book at this level.
- I wish we got more with Henry and his relationship with his parents and his connection to Colorado. Obviously we got a lot more with Bennet and her life outside of NY just because she was our POV character (and this should have absolutely been a single POV, for sure). But I wanted to know more about Henry’s former life in NY even if not for more about Colorado.
- This book was preetttyy white. I would have loved to have seen some more diversity. I mean...it's New York City.

LONGED FOR:
- More insight into Henry’s life, his story, just him. I just wanted more Henry, I’m not sorry.
- Less mentions of alcohol
- These characters to be happy, god dammit. (They are, don't worry)

Will I read the next one? : God yes. Absolutely. I’m so angry at how good this book is. I’m so jealous of this writing.

Wow, this was a delight to read. I feel like the author hit the nail on the head with explaining how people can feel passionless and wonder about what excites them like when they were kids. This was enjoyable to see how the main character learns to get back out into her life with the help of a friend. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

4.5 stars. Lately I seem to be being drawn to books that are explorations in grief and healing journeys, and I’m not mad about it. Everyone grieves differently and seeing books putting the struggles and dark times on page alongside characters who understand and offer support specific to their person is a moving thing to read. Passion Project is another one of these books and an incredibly impressive debut.

Bennet is a wildly complex character who is deeply entrenched in her grief. She has stalled out rather than any kind of forward movement in processing. It’s painful to be in her mind at times while reading because she is hurting so intensely. There are days when her depression is debilitating. But little spots of light start peeking through. She meets Henry (not in the way she intended) and through a series of mishaps and unfortunate events, their “passion project” is born.

It’s not a straight line where Bennet is magically better and no longer struggling. She is a prime example of the ebbs and flows of the grieving process, but the difference is that she *wants* to heal now. She’s waking up. She’s seeing the people around her again. She still missteps in her relationships — in a big way with Henry — but she’s living and finding herself again.

Henry is completely endearing along the way. Even as it’s clear there’s more to the story of how he and Bennet meet, he’s genuine and invested in knowing Bennet. He has a big heart, but he’s got his own hurts going on below the outgoing exterior he presents. He cares deeply, wants to be there for Bennet, doesn’t shy away from apologizing, but also knows when he needs to be the one being apologized to. There are so many complex dynamics to the relationship with Bennet in all its forms, and he handles them with care and grace while still being able to recognize when it’s time to put himself first.

Bennet may start surfacing when she begins spending time with Henry, but she does eventually realize she needs to heal for herself more than anyone else. She grows so much throughout this book. She makes mistakes. She hurts people she cares about. She believes she’s moving forward, but there’s still a tether holding onto her. She reaches a breaking point and acknowledges that tether. She begins to really move forward.

Passion Project is an emotionally raw and tender debut novel. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A phenomenal debut that deserves all the praise!

London Sperry’s Passion Project is nothing short of breathtaking. As a debut novel, it completely blew me away. Readers often get asked why we love books, and our answers vary—because it’s fun, because the real world sucks, because dragons are cool. And all of that is true. But this book reminded me of one of the most important reasons I read: to feel less alone in an often lonely world.

There’s something incredibly powerful about connecting with a character so deeply that their emotions feel like your own. Bennett, our FMC, was painfully relatable. We all go through seasons of feeling lost, aimless, like we’re drowning with no way out. Passion Project is a heartbreaking exploration of grief and loss, but also a stunningly beautiful story of hope—of finding love, not just in another person, but in life itself. Of rediscovering passion and learning to look forward to the next day.

London did an incredible job weaving humor and romance into a deeply emotional journey. And let’s talk about Henry—our MMC, the absolute gold standard of men. Gentle, patient, kind, earnest, and so understanding of what Bennett was going through. Watching them fall in love was pure joy.

I cried a lot while reading this. Tears of sadness, joy, and release. It’s the kind of book that grips your heart and refuses to let go. London Sperry crafted something truly special, and I can only hope this novel gets all the love and hype it so deeply deserves.

So lovely! Passion Project is an engaging rom-com that manages to be cozy and hopeful as it tackles more serious topics of grief and self-discovery.

Bennet moved to NYC to live the life she thought she would have with her boyfriend. It has been years since he died and Bennet is no closer to figuring out her life. When a blind date disaster turns into a friendship, Bennet finds herself searching for her passion.

This was really sweet. Henry is a gem and it was great to see him support Bennet as she learns to live and love again. There is a great mix of lighthearted banter and exploration of heavier issues. I think the pacing was rushed in the last few chapters with a ton of events happening in short sequence. Overall, a delight to read! 4.5 stars.

Thank you very much to Penguin Group Viking and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

I really enjoyed this debut romance by London Sperry! I was a little unsure about this book going in because I knew grief was a major theme. I shouldn’t have worried. Sperry has a perfect voice for rom-coms. I was sucked in from page one. The book tackles heavy topics, but there’s a deftness to the prose that doesn’t make the book *feel* heavy. The story also balances the tough moments with lighter ones, so the narrative never feels bogged down.

Bennet’s grief is handled with care. She’s a character you want to root for, someone struggling with life and dealing with depression as she bounces from temp job to temp job where she’s often mistreated. This book nails the messiness of spending your twenties living in a big city as you try to figure yourself out. The setting was one of my favorite parts. New York City is as much a part of the story as Bennet’s journey to healing from grief and understanding she’s worthy of love.

While this is single POV and definitely Bennet’s story, Henry was my favorite character. He’s a swoonworthy romance hero: a genuinely good guy who wants nothing but the best for Bennet and thinks she hung the moon. It was a joy reading about the two of them spending time together on their passion project and falling in love.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC, which was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Rom-coms that bring together grief and growth with a romance are my sweet spot. Passion Project made me laugh, sigh, and close the book happily at the end. Recommend!

Has a book ever made you sob, swoon, laugh, scream, and want to throw your kindle at the wall, and you absolutely LOVED it? Passion Project was that book for me.

Bennett Taylor is surrounded by millions of people in NYC, but she’s never felt more alone. She has pushed away friends and family after the tragic loss of her boyfriend and lacks the motivation to do anything other than (kind of) survive.

Henry Adams is dealing with his own type of heartbreak, but unlike Bennet, he is actively seeking friends and human connections. When Bennett ghosts him on what was meant to be their first date, he can’t help but feel hurt.

When they have a less than cute meet-cute after said ghosting, Henry recognizes the emotional turmoil brewing in Bennett and offers his help; so begins the Passion Project. Henry and Bennett agree to meet every Saturday, strictly as friends, and do fun and interesting things around the city in the hopes of discovering Bennett’s “passion.”

Henry and Bennett have to navigate a lot of heavy topics, including anxiety, grief and depression while growing closer and developing feelings that Bennet is certainly not ready to admit. Their journey was a messy one, in which it seemed that for every step forward, Bennet took two steps back. It made me want to scream and throw things, but I understood that love after loss is often full of conflicting feelings of happiness and guilt.

Henry was the catalyst to Bennet’s journey of self-discovery and emotional healing, but Bennet also discovered that she had the strength to live and love again. Passion Project is a story that will stay with me for a long time.

Of course! Here's an expanded version of your review:

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This book was an absolute delight to read! From the very first page, I found myself completely drawn into the story, thanks to its lively pace and engaging characters. One of the things I appreciated most was how relatable the characters felt—they were genuine, flawed, and easy to connect with, making their experiences all the more meaningful.

The witty banter between the characters was a real highlight. It added a playful energy to the story and made the interactions feel natural and fun. The conversations were so well-written that I often found myself smiling or laughing out loud.

Another aspect that stood out to me was the vibrant city setting. The way the author described the bustling streets, cozy cafés, and endless opportunities made me long for the excitement of urban life.

Overall, this book offered the perfect escape—lighthearted, entertaining, and full of charm. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good read with memorable characters and clever dialogue.

I LOVED this book. From start to finish Bennet and Henry had me never wanting to put the book down. The characters were amazing and complex and I loved learning more about them. A quote from the book has founds it's way into my life and I find myself repeating it often. "Having your shit together is not a prerequisite for love." Bennet and Henry have such an wonderful connection that only gets better as the book goes on. You can easily tell how much the characters adore and care for each other. This book was also amazingly inspirational and has brought a bit of passion back into my life. 10/10 will absolutely be reading again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books for providing a DRC of this title.

Putting Passion Project down as a rom-dram-com if that's a thing? Romantic, moving story with a real sense of character and place, Passion Project feels like a love letter to the messiness of your twenties, finding your place in the world, and moving on after loss. Genuinely made me laugh and cry!

Would recommend for fans of Float Plan by Trish Doller and Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships by Sarah Grunder Ruiz, and I definitely plan on keeping an eye out for Sperry's future works!

4.5 stars/5.

A gorgeous book that I could not put down! I absolutely loved this story and how it is heart wrenching, romantic, inspiring, witty, and heart warming all at once. Bennet and Henry are such layered and endearing characters that you can't help but root for (even when sometimes the secondhand embarrassment is strong). London Sperry doesn't shy away from their mistakes or flaws, but she also shows you how hard they try and how much they love. I LOVED the "Passion Project" storyline and am taking notes for what adventures I should go on this summer! Very excited for the audiobook - Alex Finke is amazing and I can't wait to hear the story through her voice!

Passion Project by London Sperry is one of the most emotionally resonant novels I’ve encountered, addressing the universal theme of grief and its enduring impact on the human spirit. The narrative poignantly explores how moving forward doesn’t mean letting go of cherished memories. Each line is imbued with a profound sense of rhythm and emotional depth, drawing readers into Bennet’s journey of healing and self-discovery.

London Sperry masterfully crafts a consistent melancholic atmosphere, immersing readers in Bennet’s psyche and evoking empathy with every page. Fans of authors like Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, or those drawn to stories of emotional complexity will find much to love in this book.

The character of Henry is a standout. As the embodiment of gentle, steadfast love, he elevates the narrative to extraordinary heights. His presence is both comforting and unforgettable, making him one of the most endearing love interests in contemporary fiction. Readers seeking stories of genuine companionship and deep emotional connection will resonate with this portrayal.

This is a book for those who value narratives centered on quiet yet transformative relationships, where love is rooted in friendship and mutual respect. Passion Project is not just a story; it’s an experience that lingers long after the final page.

Passion Project is a must add to your TBR list!!

Bennet Taylor is in New York City, trying to live out the life her boyfriend Sam Chase wanted for them before he died, but her grief and guilt prevent her from moving forward. Her best friend and roommate Sonya sets her up on a blind date, but it’s still too soon: Bennet panics and ghosts the guy, only to bump into him again when she loses her wallet and traces her steps back to the bar he happens to work at. Instead of dating, Henry suggests they become friends, and he offers to help Bennet discover her passion.

They do touristy things and niche things, carving out time each Saturday to get to know one another and the city. Henry is a bartender who wants to launch a photography business, and Bennet’s day shadowing him as a photographer’s assistant is fun and eye-opening. Bennet’s employment through a temp agency is another brilliant layer that speaks to how at sea she is, teetering through catering and event mishaps and finding solid ground working shifts at the New York Public Library. The work provides opportunities to resolve conflict and develop other friendships. When Bennet feels the first stirrings of attraction and tries to repress them, and when she finally feels bold and ready to make a move, it’s Henry who gently rejects her, sure she’s not ready, and then keeps the ball in Bennet’s court. Their lovemaking mirrors the sometimes fragile, sometimes joyous, deep emotional connection that is the hallmark of their relationship.

Bennet has been keeping everyone at arm’s length, including Jamie, Sonya’s partner, and is well aware that if she (Bennet) were more well-adjusted, Jamie could move in and Bennet could move out. She’s also estranged from her other best friend, Andy Chase–Sam’s sister, who is still waiting for an RSVP to her wedding. When shortly after defining their relationship, Bennet asks Henry to accompany her as her plus-one, neither of them were expecting her urge to deny any relationship between Bennet and Henry, at the risk of some imaginary upset from the Chase family.

This is a finely written and sensitive story about moving through grief, love for a deceased partner that never goes away, and finding the joy after a loss. Sperry delicately manages both humor and sadness, never diminishes Bennet’s experience or anxiety, and allows space for Henry’s loneliness and emotions alongside Bennet’s heartache. Healing and forgiveness are central themes and make for a satisfying conclusion.

I received a free advance reader’s review copy of #PassionProject via #NetGalley courtesy of #PenguinPutnam. This review will post to HLBB 4/8/2025.

3.75 stars!!!

I wanted to love this one so much, and I was REALLY drawn in by the voice at the beginning, but the writing quality tapered off after a while. The pacing also seemed to be a bit wonky? I was almost shocked when Henry asks to redo their date, as they'd been feeling pretty platonic for the majority of the book. I was lacking a sense of tension between the two... hm. I'm going to be thinking about this one for a minute.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

What a hell of a debut novel. I am genuinely blown away. I read a lot of romance, but this one really spoke to me. It was so much more than a normal romance.

It’s a love story to the self. To finding joy again even when all seems lost. To choosing to live even when it seems impossible. To picking happiness over misery.

I fell completely in love with both characters and especially loved Henry and his earnestness. He is a good person down to his bones and seeing his positive impact on Bennet was so sweet to watch unfold.

The portrayal of grief throughout the book is achingly raw and I pretty much cried the entire time. Towards the end I really couldn’t see the pages, I had to keep drying my eyes.

This book will resonate with a lot of different people, but specifically people who have experienced grief, any form of it.

I cannot recommend this enough when it comes out. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group-Viking for the advanced reader copy.

After Bennet Taylor's boyfriend, Sam, dies in a car accident, she hides herself away for two years in sadness while trying to honor him by moving to New York (the dream he had for both of them). When Bennet's roommate convinces her to go on a date, Bennet ends up puking in a bathroom in the restaurant across the street. Her date, Henry, ends up finding her and getting her to agree to work with him on a Passion Project--trying to find Bennet's passion and way back into the world.

This was a sweet debut romance that feels like both a love letter to NYC and to finding one's way back into the world of the living after a terrible loss. Sperry did a great job of balancing the tragedy of losing Sam with the sweet excitement of finding someone new to love. I'm looking forward to what this author publishes next.

Passion Project is out April 8, 2025

If you are looking for a book to push your comfort zone, make you laugh, cry and fall in love with love, force you to restrain when you want to strangle a character or even embrace a character, LOOK NO FURTHER! I really lost myself a bit in this one. The main character struggles through grief, anxiety and severe depression, and while it is hard to relate to her isolation and depths of despair at times, I think it is also eye-opening to anyone with a partner that has struggled with this. There are moments when Bennet's character is self-absorbed in grief and broken beyond recognition, but other moments when she is funny, giving, full of life and love. This is the true eye of grief and depression. We all go through it differently, and I am grateful to this author for highlighting some of the darkest sides of such a difficult struggle. ALL THAT ASIDE, this story is heartwarming, real and relatable. The Passion Project takes Bennet and Henry through the streets of New York in search of activities and moments that spark joy and passion. Henry is relentlessly charming and lovely, and someone that anyone would love to have in their life, as a friend or lover. We all need to lean on others now and then, and this story highlights that process, through the good and bad. Oh, and the dashes of humor throughout are a plus. :)
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books for the ARC #PassionProject #NetGalley

An easy favorite line:
<i>"Having your shit together is not a prerequisite for love."</i>

I wasn’t prepared to like this book as much as I did. From Bennet’s anxiety to Henry’s complexity to the secondary characters and plot lines, I didn’t want to put this one down. The banter between Bennet and Henry was delightful, and everything felt very real, in the best sense. I loved the exploration of issues such as grief, friendship, second chances. My only complaint was that Bennet’s mental health issues seemed to be resolved somewhat easily? The passion projects that they take on were delightful. 4.5 stars! Thanks to NetGalley for an e-arc of this highly enjoyable romance!

Passion Project is everything I want in a love story. It blurs the lines between genres—giving the banter and excitement of a rom-com while tackling the heavier women’s fiction themes of mental health, grief, and self-discovery.

Bennet, our FMC, is funny and heartbreakingly relatable. I was often frustrated with her decisions, but it never felt overdone because I truly empathized with why she is the way she is. Henry, the MMC, is sunshine in human form. From his rock collection to his slightly crooked glasses.

I devoured this in one day. The balance between funny (without being cringey) and emotional was perfection, and my only complaint is that there wasn’t more. Thank you to NetGalley, Viking, and London Sperry (who I’m excited to see more from in the future) for the digital ARC! 🫶🏻