I was not very impressed with Bastone’s release this year, Ready or Not, so my expectations were not high for this novel. But the premise of this book interested me, and my expectations were blown out of the water. This is not only one of the best books I have read this year but one of the best books I have ever read. This was simply a masterclass of romance and writing.

Many authors write books about grief, but I think Cara Bastone found such a unique and powerful way to write grief in this novel. It wasn’t simply something that Lenny was battling on her own it helped to bring Miles and Lenny together. Which helped to create a very tender and deep romantic intimacy between the two main characters. Grief happens to everyone, and it was so beautiful to see how it can bring people together instead of the way it often tears people apart.

The two main characters had such a strong, deep emotional connection and friendship before they started to build a physical relationship, which was so refreshing and enjoyable to read.

I cried, giggled, and felt so much joy while reading this book. This book made me feel very hopeful about romance. Lenny and Miles have carved themselves a spot on my heart and will live inside me for years to come.

I adore this book!!!! It was so good! Both as a book about characters living with grief and as a romance novel.


But, to be clear, this book has grief front and center from page one. So, if you might not be in a space for that, know your limits.


Thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.


I know this might seem weird after my note, but this book was so funny. Lenny, the main character, is hilarious. (Not poking fun at the effects of grief, but her personality is so funny) Dry humor abounds in this book, which I adore. But there’s also just “WTF was that” and the reader is not alone in the feeling. I believe that Bastone does a a great job of taking the reader along the journey of the characters, both sad/difficult and kind/joyful moments.


And these characters! There is a full cast, that all make sense and participate in the journey with Lenny and Miles in one way or another. Plus, they bring a lot of authenticity to the book, with their little moments and side stories. (Also, on the topic of authenticity, grief is a unique experience and Lenny and Miles’ representation of grief felt real to me. And as someone currently working through grief, parts of that grief journey felt excising and healing for me. Truly, art being art.)


And yes, this is a romance novel. And a slow burn. I loved the pacing and the development. I loved their struggles and their characters. I adore Miles as a romantic lead and as just a (fictional :( ) guy. And I love Lou and Lou and Lenny. And I love Lenny.


So in summary, I love this book. I read most of it sitting with my dogs on Christmas Eve and I loved doing that. I love the sad bits, they made me cry. And I love the joyful bits, they also made me cry. So glad I read this book, especially right now

This books was really good but I feel like she added so much unnecessary stuff. But other than that I really enjoyed miles and Lenny’s relationship! Such a beautiful story!

I loved this book. I throughly enjoyed Cara Bastone’s 2024 book- Ready or Not and this one is even better!! Such a slow burn romance but so well written it kept me hooked. Didn’t want to put it down. And the depiction of the feelings that come with grief were accurate. If you’ve ever experienced it you know.
Miles is a perfect romance book character. Caring and perceptive. And perfectly charming.
I will likely read this one again!!

I loved this book! I was a huge fan of “Ready or Not” & was worried “Promise Me Sunshine” wouldnt be able to live up to those same expectations, but it did. It was one of those drop everything & read till it is finished type books…
I loved the relationship between Miles & Lenny. He was the perfect best friend & just what Lenny needed even though she didnt realize it at first.
I already cant wait for the next book from Cara! Ill be 1st in line to read it for sure.

This was a great book for a sensitive topic! It had beautiful, funny, serious, uplifting moments. Both of the main characters were fleshed out and lovely. I really enjoyed reading this novel!

A wonderful, lovely heart wrenching book that will touch your heart. Two people-a woman who is in the deep grips of grief from her best friend’s dying and a man trying to form a relationship with his half-sister and her daughter-slowly but surely work together using their strengths to try and bring wholeness into their lives. Truly a touching story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

this is my second Cara Bastone romance now, and though I don't dislike her novels necessarily--her characters are well-drawn and her writing is great and snappy--I've come to the conclusion that they're just too low angst for me. the romance itself is always very positive and wholesome--the love interests are kind and supportive and sweet--which is nice, but also reads as a little...boring to me personally. not that I want some kind of toxic love interest, but more that I want romance where the romantic relationship has tension, conflict, friction--some oomph. and this novel has conflict for sure, but not when it comes to the romance. and i think that's really my issue here: I want there to be conflict IN the romance itself, not just outside it, and based on the (admittedly small sample size of) two Cara Bastone novels that I've read so far, her novels don't really align with that.

Thank you NetGalley, Cara Bastone and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC of what just might be my favorite read of 2024. This was a truly beautiful story of grief and love, unlike anything I’ve ever encountered before. If anyone’s looking for a great book club read for 2025, look no further. There are so many meaningful topics addressed throughout Promise Me Sunshine, I will be thinking about this book for a very long time.

Thank you NetGalley, Cara Bastone and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC!

This book started off slow for me but I ended up loving it!!! We meet Lenny who is grieving the death of her best friend/sister/soulmate Lou as she takes on a babysitting job for a busy working mom, Stella, with an amazing 7 year old name Ainsley. There to "oversee" that Ainsley is safe is her uncle Miles who seems very by the book and not of fan of Lenny's. As the days go by and Lenny and Miles get to know each other, they open up about their own struggles and hatch a plan to help each other. Miles will help Lenny complete her Live Again list created by Lou to help Lenny experience life again after her death. Miles needs help connecting with Ainsley (and Stella) and asks Lenny to teach him how to do this. As they move through the list and Miles begins to understand his niece, these two begin to get closer and learn to experience life again as they both deal with grief, growing new relationships and learning to "live again".


This book tugged at my heart strings but also made you laugh at loud at scenes. I was happy to read another book by Cara Bastone and can't wait to read more!

While grieving the loss of her best friend, Lenny starts taking temporary babysitting gigs. And that’s where she meets Reese and her daughter Ainsley. But everything can’t be perfect. Ainsley’s uncle Miles, is around a lot. And he is a HUGE jerk. While trying to not fall apart Lenny learns that Miles knows a lot about what she’s going through and he can see right through her. So they make a deal, if he helps her with a ”live again” list, she will help him connect with Ainsley and Reese.

Wow, I loved this so so much. The characters were amazing, the plot was just chef's kiss. Everything was perfect. I literally flee through it, and I cannot stop thinking about it.

I really like Cara’s writing. I read one of her books earlier this year and when I saw this I just knew that it was a must to read. I need a new one soon lol.

I also loved the characters, and how amazingly Cara wrote about grief. And the ways she brought it up. Just amazing. And the sections where Cara wrote about Lenny and Lou before she died. And how happy they were together. It broke me.

I think this book would be perfect for anyone who loves a slow burn, with not only romance but real life struggles too. But please make sure to read the trigger warnings first.

I would like to thank netgalley and Random house publishing group for making it possible for me to read this arc.

Promise Me Sunshine is a masterfully crafted love story that seamlessly intertwines romance with the complexities of grief and healing. Cara Bastone delivers a narrative that is tender, grounded, and achingly realistic, capturing the quiet struggles of rebuilding a life after loss.

The relationship between Miles and Lenny unfolds with remarkable nuance. Miles, ever steadfast and selfless, devotes himself to understanding Lenny’s unique perspective, patiently meeting her where she is. Their connection grows through small, meaningful moments rather than grand gestures, making their love story feel authentic and deeply earned.

Equally poignant is the balance in their dynamic—Lenny’s eventual realization that Miles, too, needs support adds a profound layer of mutual care and growth. This is not just a romance; it’s a meditation on what it means to truly show up for someone.

A top-tier read for the year, Promise Me Sunshine is a beautiful exploration of love, resilience, and the quiet triumphs of the human spirit.

Ebook received for free through NetGalley

I absolutely loved this book. The slow burn romance and especially the how to attempt to walk through grief. Thank you

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️From Random House Publishing: Lenny’s a bit of a mess at the moment. Ever since cancer stole away her best friend, she has been completely lost. She’s avoiding her concerned parents, the apartment she shared with her best friend, and the ever-laminated “live again” list of things she’s promised to do to survive her grief. But maybe if she acts like she has it all together, no one will notice she’s falling apart.

The only gigs she can handle right now are temporary babysitting jobs, and she just landed a great one. The only catch: Ainsley’s uncle, Miles, always seems to be around, and is kind of. . . a walking version of the grumpy cat meme. Worse – he seems to be able to see right through her.

Surprisingly, Miles knows a lot about grief and he offers Lenny a proposition. He’ll help her complete everything on her “live again” list if she’ll help him connect with Ainsley and overcome his complicated relationship with Reese. Miles just won’t stop showing up for her. Turns out, sometimes your life has to end to find your new beginning.
**************************************
My review: Trigger warning for anyone experiencing grief over losing a loved one. This book dives head first into the despair, heartbreak and
trauma. Lenny can only pretend she is handling her grief. While not everyone believes her, no one can help. Except Miles. He has been through it. He gets it. As these two hurt people circle each other and then come to an understanding, the third main character (Grief) is ever present but becomes less front and center, bit by tiny bit. The patience that man had...

And Ainsley is the best, cutest side kick. Two thumbs up for her and the reminder that kids, laughter, and goofiness are always amazing balms.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for my review.

Promise Me Sunshine is a heartfelt story about grief, healing, and finding unexpected love. Cara Bastone perfectly captures the messy, overwhelming nature of loss while balancing it with humor, hope, and moments of genuine connection. Lenny’s journey of trying to “live again” after losing her best friend feels raw and real, and Miles, with all his gruff charm, is the perfect match to help her rediscover life. Their slow-burn romance is beautifully written, filled with quiet, meaningful moments that feel authentic and earned.

What sets this book apart is its focus on relationships beyond just romance. Lenny’s friendships and her bond with the family she works and friends she meets along the way bring warmth and depth to the story. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t a straight line and that love—whether romantic or platonic—can show up in unexpected ways. With its emotional honesty and uplifting message, this is the perfect read for fans of slow-burn romances with a lot of heart. Thank you, NetGalley, for the chance to read this touching book!

If my neighbors were wondering why I was sobbing one moment and cackling the next, let them know it was because of this book.

Can I give this book 6 stars and tell you that Miles is one of my favorites and I want to have him?

I loved this book and this experience. It was perfection and I'm so thankful to have received an advanced reader copy. For those of you that have to wait, much like Miles and Lenny... let me tell you... it's worth it.

After a meet not so cute with a grumpy Miles and a barely holding it together grieving Lenny, we embark on one of the most beautiful stories I have read. And, since it's romance, we know it's going to end in joy and happily ever after.

Lenny's best friend died not too long ago and she's not doing great. She's an amazing person and gathers people around her who love her, but after losing her friend, roommate, bestie... she's broken and pushing everyone in her life away so she can grieve a truly devastating loss. Along comes Miles who stumbles across her and knows what it's like to lose those you love. He jumps into being her support and cheerleader/coach in her journey through grief. And, along the way, they become friends and eventually fall in love.

I cannot recommend this enough and I want you to read it and love it too. I might have to read it again when it comes out as an audiobook.

Safety deets
- They have both dated/been with other people. She's had a few not-very-serious relationships and he had a 5-year relationship. It's been a while for both of them.
- He's classic grumpy on the outside and the sweetest, kindest love on the inside. He doesn't totally how to do peopling, but he also does it so well.
- We see them together... not yet married, but heading that way. I really want to see them in the future. The book ends before I was completely ready, even if it was so so satisfying.
- Condoms used. This does have "open door" explicit sexy time, but not very graphically described. I love that it's awkward and sweet.
- She is constantly having crushes on strangers but they truly aren't serious... he does get in the way of them after it's pretty clear he/she want each other.
- Strangers to friends to lovers... soooo gooooooood.

And this journey through grief… it’s what we do for the greatest loves of our lives.”

I have cried over this book exactly one handful’s worth of times and I’m ready to talk about it.

Lenny is grieving. And grief for her is more complicated than any grief I have experienced, transparently. But despite not having experienced it exactly like she had, I understand her. So deeply I understand her. I know I would be her, if I had a Lou and lost her.

Miles doesn’t look at something messy and run away. He is a man who has experienced different facets of life and just… blinks at them wordlessly and moves through.

The dynamic Cara has created in this book has burned its place in my heart. The way she has described and broken down some of the hardest emotions to ever experience, well I fear I won’t be able to adequately express how much it means.

If it wasn’t obvious that this was a five star read for me, here it is. Five “Live Again” stars.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to review this book early.

Lenny is a mess. She lost her best friend Lou 6 months ago to cancer and she has been unable to move on. She is supporting herself by taking short term nanny jobs, and avoiding going to their apartment by spending her nights riding the ferry. During her latest job, Lenny meets Miles, the Uncle of her 7 year old charge, who recognizes her pain. He makes a deal with her, he helps her with her pain, she helps him get in the good graces of his newly discovered sister and young niece.

This is a slow burn romance, but mostly a book about grief. Both our protagonists have had terrible losses and we see them gradually help each other power through their difficulties as Miles helps Lenny get to the other side of her loss. It is sad novel, but also joyful, and the relationship not only between Lenny and Miles, but the side characters are beautifully written. I especially enjoyed the character of Lennys mother, even though she had a small part. I was also happy that there was no miscommunication/break up/get back together trope in this one, which is so common in romances. I was a bit disappointed by some of Lennys behavior at the very end, but overall I though this was great story with well written characters as well as a message to those of us dealing with grief.

Thank you to net galley and the publisher for the e galley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a wonderful story of a very hard subject. I thought the subject matter was dealt with so well and with so much care and respect. The main characters were well developed. I enjoyed reading this so much, and did t want it to end!

Lenny has lost the platonic love of her life when she first meets Miles, and first impressions aren’t great. But as time and circumstances create opportunities to know one another, Lenny and Miles discover that they share lots in common: grief, loneliness, and resiliency. At times, the grief work felt a little heavy-handed, but overall, I loved watching Lenny come back to life with Miles by her side. This slow-burn romance was so well done. And I loved seeing their relationships bloom with others in the story as well so that they were well-rounded characters we can fall in love with as readers. Another great one from Cara Bastone!