Wow just freaking wow. I have to say this was the most beautiful romance book. I think I have ever read. It was so emotional, beautiful, raw, and real. A story of grief, loss, hope, and love. watching Lenny and Miles fall in love and also discovering themselves was wonderful to read. I very much so found myself relating to the characters a lot, especially with dealing with my own grief. I was crying and laughing so Grab your tissues 🫶🏽🫶🏽

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽

4.75 ⭐️

Wow, I've never read a romance book like this before. This is a beautiful, raw, and real story of grief, loss, hope, and love. It was lovely watching Lenny and Miles fall in love while also discovering themselves. I hate to be nitpicky, especially since this was so close to a five-star rating, but I wouldn't be truthful with myself if I rated it that. There was a significant part involving Lenny that I was anticipating, and while it was addressed and discussed, it was left at that. I wanted to see that scene on the page, I guess, and not just be told it would happen. I'm assuming this is because I fell in love with Lou throughout the story (ah, the parallel of getting to know a character who has passed, much like loss in real life, and how our loved ones can continue to live through us). I also felt like the ending was the tiniest (and I truly mean tiniest) bit too quick. I very selfishly loved all the parts about kpop and the true joy, culture, and community that kpop brings, expressed in this book as a kpop stan myself. I really loved this one a lot. Grab your tissues and enjoy! 🧡

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC 💓

This was one of the best romances I've read in such a long time. It was emotional and raw and heartbreaking and so, so sweet. I'm obsessed with the friendship between Miles and Lenny. Miles helping Lenny heal and Lenny helping Miles figure out communication with his family was just so beautiful. I loved the discussion about grief and loss, and the author's ability to make me love the MCs and their loved ones is honestly impressive - how does she make me care so much about fictional characters?! The one spicy scene in this was a little awkward and had me experiencing some secondhand embarrassment for Lenny, but other than that this book was a work of art. I already loved Cara Bastone's writing from reading Ready or Not, but now she's become an auto-read author for me. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

thank you so much for the e-arc the dial press publisher

“But with you, Len, when I met you … I sort of feel like I met myself.”

This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. It captures the raw, unfiltered reality of grief—how messy, unpredictable, and all-consuming it can be—while also reminding us that healing is possible, even from the pain we once believed was insurmountable.
There are countless words I could use to describe this book: captivating, inspiring, heartwarming, deeply emotional, and achingly realistic. Every page resonated with me, drawing me in with its honesty and depth.

This was my first Cara Bastone book, and calling it an understatement to say I’ll be reading more of her work doesn’t even begin to express how much I want to. Sometimes, I struggle to write reviews for books that truly move me because no words ever feel sufficient to capture their impact. This book is one of those—one that leaves me at a loss for words in the best possible way.

I genuinely have no words to fully express how much this book made me feel. From the very first page, I was completely captivated. I’ll admit, I was hesitant to request the ARC at first—I don’t typically read many books about grief—but the moment I saw it was set in nyc, I couldn’t resist. (I’m a whore for books set in nyc.)

This book is so much more than just a romance. It’s a story about surviving the unimaginable loss of a loved one and learning how to move forward while carrying that grief. It teaches you that even in the depths of sorrow, life can still be breathtakingly beautiful—that even when you feel like you've lost your purpose, there is still so much worth living for.

“Grief … it’s not like any other emotion. It is utterly discombobulating. Among many other things.”

The writing in this book was absolutely breathtaking—I was completely blown away by it. It tackles such a heavy, emotional topic, yet does so in a way that feels incredibly comforting, like a warm embrace in the midst of heartbreak. One moment, I was in tears, and the next, I was laughing—all within the span of just a few sentences.

CHAPTER 32 got me in all the feelings, I think I highlighted the whole chapter because of how beautiful it was and how giddy it got me feeling.

My only complaint? There’s no epilogue. And let me tell you, I was devastated when I reached the last page and didn’t see the word epilogue. I’m a simply girl who needs that happily ever after wrapped up neatly. Give me the ten years later scene. Let me see the future I’ve been desperately hoping for😭

If you're looking for a light, fluffy romance, this isn’t the book for you. While there are moments of humor sprinkled throughout, the story leans much more on the heavy, emotional side. In fact, I’d argue that the romance is more of a subplot—this book is about grief, healing. And it does that beautifully.


➳ characters:


ೃ࿐ Lenny Bellamy

⭑.ᐟ“Look, Lenny. From where I’m sitting you are someone who needs friends to be happy. People are your fuel.”

My sweet girl—I wish I could wrap her in the biggest, warmest hug. She lost her best friend, the other half of her soul, and now she’s left adrift, struggling to navigate a world that suddenly feels emptier. She’s drowning in grief, caught between memories of the past and the unbearable weight of the present.

“And saying ‘my friend died’ doesn’t convey what really—she was my sister. No. My A-team. My other half. And I’m so fucking stupid because I didn’t realize she was my whole life until she was gone.”

Lenny’s character is a raw, heartbreaking portrayal of just how messy and unpredictable grief truly is. It’s not a neat, linear process—it ebbs and flows, crashing over you when you least expect it. One moment, you’re smiling, feeling a fleeting sense of normalcy, and the next, you’re hit with the crushing realization that the person you love is gone. And then comes the guilt—the ache of continuing to live, to experience joy, while knowing they no longer can. This book captures that pain with such honesty, showing that grief isn’t just sadness; it’s love that has nowhere to go.

Lenny is a character who is so easy to understand and empathize with. Even if you haven’t experienced the same kind of loss she has, if you’ve ever loved someone deeply, just imagining losing them is enough to make your heart ache. It’s no wonder she’s a mess—how could she not be? Grief like hers is impossible to prepare for.

I don’t even know how I would cope if I lost my best friend. She’s more than just a friend; she’s like a sister to me. In a way, I’ve already lost a part of her since moving away from my country—it’s been hard to stay connected the way we used to. But this book made me realize something important: instead of focusing on the distance, I need to be grateful that I can still call her, still text her, still hear her voice. It reminded me to cherish what we have, even from miles away.


ೃ࿐ Miles Honey

⭑.ᐟ “I want to be someone they can rely on. Who they like having around.”

I’m just going to pretend I didn’t see the buzzcut on the cover—because in my mind, Miles looks like Logan Lerman with long hair, not almost bald.🤚🏻 That being said, Miles is absolutely perfect, and somehow even more attractive when he starts wearing glasses.🤭

He’s also carrying an immense amount of grief, though in a different way. He’s lost his mother, his father, and his cousin—so much loss for one person to bear. In an attempt to hold on to what little family he has left, he moves to be closer to them, hoping for connection. But watching how misunderstood he is by his sister and niece absolutely shattered me. He’s trying so hard, yet they can’t seem to see the depth of him. It broke my heart to see him feeling so alone and useless.

Miles is the kind of person who would do absolutely anything for the people he loves, no matter what it takes. His heart is so big, and the depth of his loyalty is undeniable. He’s emotionally intelligent in a way that feels rare—he notices things, understands feelings that aren’t always spoken aloud, and cares so deeply without expecting anything in return.

“Yeah, that’s right. You need strong. You need someone who can stop you from fighting large men on the street. You need someone who can wade in and pull you out of the swamp if you need me to. And I can be that person.”

⤷ that quote sums up the kind of person Miles is.

At the same time, he’s wonderfully selfless, always putting others before himself, even when it means carrying the weight of his own struggles in silence. And then there’s his social awkwardness, which only makes him even more endearing. He’s not the type to command a room, but his quiet presence speaks volumes. All of these qualities—his kindness, his depth, his quiet strength—make me love him even more. He’s the kind of character who stays with you long after the last page.

She ask him if her face is boring and do you want to know what this man says???😭😭
⤷ “Lenny, when I look at your face, I feel like I’m finally home after a really long day at work.”

HELLO I would literally marry him right there💖😭

{spoiler❗️} I was bailing my eyes out when miles was dancing with Ainsley, I don’t know why I started crying specifically in that moment. But it’s the way he just wants to help everyone around him, how happy he was after the dance. The fact that Reese finallly saw him for what he truly is. Also he getting a matching tattoo with Lenny😭 and saying that the wolves aren’t along because there’s 2 of them SHUT UP😫



˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥˚✿ °. Lenny & Miles


They were exactly what each other needed, even before they realized it themselves. The slow burn between them was absolutely perfect—the kind of love that sneaks up on you, growing steadily in the quiet moments, until suddenly, it’s everything. Their relationship felt so natural, so effortless, like two puzzle pieces falling into place. Watching them go from strangers to friends to something more was everything I could have hoped for and then some. There’s just something so special about a love that starts with friendship, which is why friends to lovers will always be my favorite trope.

“He treats you well?”
“Mom, he walked into hell and dragged me back out.”

Their dynamic was a perfect mix of heartwarming and hilarious. Their banter had me hooked—playful, sharp, and filled with so much unspoken affection. But what truly captivated me was the way they helped each other heal. They didn’t just fall in love; they lifted each other up, slowly piecing together the broken parts neither of them could fix alone.I want a love like that.<

And even though they were complete opposites in so many ways, they balanced each other in a way that felt almost magical. I don’t even know how to put it into words—it just worked

“I’m not sleeping.”
“You always say that when I catch you sleeping.”
“I’m never sleeping when I close my eyes like this with you.”
“Then what are you doing?” He pauses and I think he might not answer. But then he says, “I’m committing the moment to memory”

⤷ it should be a crime for someone like miles to be fictional😭😭

"𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘥𝘦. 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦: 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘺/𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘳."

I read 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗢𝗿 𝗡𝗼𝘁 in January as past of my 25 Books In 2025 Backlist challenge and absolutely loved it so I couldn't wait to dive into Cara Bastone's latest, 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗘 𝗠𝗘 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗘.

You wouldn't think a story that revolves around depression and grief could be so comforting but it really is. This very slow burn strangers-to-friends-to-lovers romance has everything I adored in Bastone's last book - banter that is off-the-charts, believably flawed characters, fun NYC references and a fantastic secondary cast - but packed an even bigger emotional punch. I cannot way for whatever she writes next!

Thanks to Random House and The Dial Press for the copy to review.

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars☀️🌅💕

Received ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I had never read anything by Cara Bastone before, but I know she gained recognition with Ready or Not-a book I now think I’ll give a chance, despite its unexpected pregnancy trope.

Promise Me Sunshine had a certain magic to it. It reminded me of a Nancy Meyers film-smart writing, heartfelt moments, and just the right amount of humor. In some ways, it even gave me a Love, Actually vibe.

Lenny is at rock bottom. She’s barely working, avoiding her apartment, and drowning in grief after losing her best friend, Lou, to cancer. Taking care of herself-eating, sleeping, socializing-feels impossible. On a whim, she accepts a weekend babysitting job for Reese, a single mom, and quickly bonds with her daughter, Ainsley. Their relationship gave me Uptown Girls vibes, but without the troublesome beginning.

Then there’s Miles, Reese’s half-brother, who always seems to be around. Their relationship is complicated-Reese’s rockstar father had an affair, resulting in Miles, and they didn’t meet until later in life. Now, after their father’s death, they’re trying to build a real sibling bond. Miles wants to be a great uncle to Ainsley, but he’s a bit grumpy-at least, at first.

When he realizes Lenny is grieving, he opens up to her. He’s experienced loss himself and knows what it’s like to navigate it alone. He offers to help her accomplish a list of must-dos in exchange for her helping him become a better uncle. But Miles does so much more than that-he gives Lenny a safe place to land, offering her the apartment he inherited when she admits she can’t go home. He makes sure she eats, supports her through her grief, and is always there when she needs him. Honestly, I’m not sure he has any flaws.

I loved watching them complete tasks together, seeing Miles and Ainsley laugh, and even something as simple as Miles and Lenny picking out glasses. I also really enjoyed the friendships Lenny builds, encouraged by Miles. What I appreciated most, though, was that Miles never took advantage of Lenny’s vulnerability. Instead, he recognized that she needed to find her footing before they could be anything more than friends.

This is a book about life after loss. The author clearly understands grief, balancing raw emotion with moments of joy and connection.

The only reason this isn’t a full five stars is that, at times, Lenny’s emotions felt a little disingenuous—almost attention-seeking rather than genuine. But overall, this was a beautiful, heartwarming read.

This book was such a beautiful story of finding your way out of grief. I loved how Lenny the main character was able to find joy and love again in her life. It was definitely hard to read in the beginning as she was in her throws of grief and had a hard time taking care of herself. However, Miles was a walking green flag and was able to help her through her grief and support her through it. He was such a kind, sweet partner and he absolutely made the book for me. TW Grief

I am a puddle of emotions after reading this! I knew I was going to love it after falling in love with Bastone's voice in Ready of Not and WOW that's really all I have to say. This novel will tug at every emotion you have and then some. My only criticism is that I didn't read it sooner.

Review: This is a perfect romance book in my opinion. I cried (multiple times). I laughed. I found myself randomly smiling. Just smiling. And that has never happened to me while reading a book. Ever. I’ve told every single person I know that they have to read this book. I’ve made my best friend cry telling her about parts of this book that made me cry. As someone who has called dibs on going first because I know I could not survive without certain people in my life, this book took my breath away. They say to be known is to be loved, and this book felt like that. This book was perfect and I am so incredibly grateful to have read it. To exist at the same time as it. To be able to reread it whenever I want to. Need to.

Synopsis: 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, helping overworked, single mom Reese and her precocious daughter, Ainsley. 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. Lenny doubts anything can fill the void her best friend has left behind, but between late night ferry rides, midnight ramen, and a well-placed shoulder whenever she needs it, Miles just won’t stop showing up for her. Turns out, sometimes your life has to end to find your new beginning.

4.5 stars

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone is a heartwarming, emotionally charged romance that tugs at the heartstrings and delivers a satisfying blend of love and personal growth. The novel follows the story of Lenny, a woman who is struggling with grief, while Miles is grappling with his own emotional scars.

Cara Bastone excels in crafting relatable, multifaceted characters. Lenny is intelligent, determined, and just vulnerable enough to be endearing, while Miles is equally complex—a man with a protective streak who finds it hard to let people in, be understood, but once you are part of his family he will protect you with his life. Their journey is one of self-discovery, healing, and learning to live again.

One of the novel's standout features is its emotional depth. Cara Bastone doesn’t shy away from exploring the pain and struggles of her characters, making their eventual connection feel earned. The pacing is spot-on, with just the right balance of light moments and intense emotional beats, which keeps the story from becoming overly heavy. The author’s prose is warm, making it easy to lose yourself in the story, and her ability to weave humor and tenderness into the narrative adds a layer of authenticity to the emotional highs and lows.

The romantic aspect of Promise Me Sunshine is also beautifully done. It’s slow-burn, with plenty of heartfelt moments that feel organic, never rushed. The resolution is satisfying and hopeful, leaving readers with a sense of optimism and a reminder that love can come when you least expect it.

"Lenny, when I look at your face, I feel like I'm finally home after a really long day at work."

Overall, Promise Me Sunshine is a poignant, feel-good romance that is perfect for fans of character-driven stories with a strong emotional core. Cara Bastone has created a touching tale about love, trust, and healing, making it a book that’s easy to recommend to readers looking for a comforting, uplifting read.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced digital copy - all thoughts and opinions are my own!

I don't think I'll find the words to describe just how good this book truly is and how much it means to me. Cara described Lenny's grief journey so perfectly. Miles was so gentle with Lenny, gave her space when she needed to be totally consumed by her grief, but also let her shine and find happiness in the little things. Seeing their relationship develop was beautiful. There's so much more to Miles that people assume is grumpiness when in reality he just wants to feel needed and have a purpose after he suffered such major losses in his life. I read this book during a heavy grief season for myself and it honestly helped me view grief in a new light and gave me some new coping mechanisms. Promise Me Sunshine was my first book by Cara and I will read anything she writes in the future. I need a physical copy of this one for my shelves. I would recommend this one for those who've suffered a major loss in their life but also it's for everyone because unfortunately grief is inevitable for all of us,

I loved this book! It explored grief In a beautiful always and the main characters growth (both the MMC and FMC) was beautiful. It showed how hard it is to get over grieving someone and explain that it is ok to never stop grieving or missing them, but you can't stop living. The way the MMC also had this familial issue that the FMC helped him get over while he helped her get over her grief was beautiful. Watching Miles's relationship with Reese grow was also amazing. The message and the writing in this book were stunning and the plot was paced well. My only issues were that the plot felt a tiny bit rushed and the part with the wedding was a bit out of place but honestly those were even really issues, just personal preference. I would most definitely recommend that everyone read this, especially if they're looking for a heartfelt romance with a happy(ish) ending and some tear jerking moments.

This is probably one of the best books I’ve ever read. Miles and Lenny’s slow burn epic love was absolutely incredible. The tension between the two characters had me hooked from the very beginning. There was a mental health/grieving element that just really did me in though. It was raw. It was emotional. It was REAL. The author handled it with such care and compassion. I laughed. I cried. I felt all the emotions in between. It was beautiful to watch the two grow closer and see them slowly overcome their battles and want to live their lives again. Miles was absolutely perfect for Lenny in every way and Lenny was absolutely perfect for him. I CANNOT recommend this book enough. If I could, I would give this an infinite amount of stars.

”Grief is a relationship. It’s the way we figure out how to keep loving them even though they’re gone. And in order to do that we have to keep on going. And going and going.”

Oh, what a beautiful and tender exploration of grief. Not because the story paints grief in a positive light, but rather in a very realistic way - something heart-breaking yet inevitable, something to talk about and not hide, something to go through and not escape.

Losing a loved one is never easy. We meet Lenny who is still reeling from the loss of her best friend Lou. She takes a temporary babysitting job where she unexpectedly meets Miles, who sees through her cheerful facade.

Lenny's character growth is truly admirable. Yes, she's still grieving, prone to bouts of crying and moments of questionable sanity, but we can see her empathy and care for others in the way she connects with Ainsley, and brings out the best in Miles... then eventually, her tenacity. She's also very amusing, frank and honest.

And Miles 🥹 I've found a new book boyfriend! Is it just me or are MMCs named Miles such special characters? He seems grumpy at first, but he's probably the most caring person you'll ever meet. He's always there and ready to help as Lenny's ace, shoulder to cry on, and friend in times when she needs one most. I loved his wisdom, his heart, his understanding! UGH 🥹 He pays attention, shows up, and gives his best for the people he loves.

Somehow Cara Bastone was able to masterfully craft a story that is refreshingly new - raw and painful, yet still full of humor and hope.

Other details and mild spoilers:
Open door with mild details
Single first person POV
CW: grief, cancer, death of a loved one, cheating (off-page and not by our MCs)

First and foremost, a huge thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

About the book, Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone.

This was my first read by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really like her writing style. Even though the story revolves around grief and navigating life after loss, it is infused with lighthearted moments that keep it from feeling too heavy or overwhelming.

The romance between Miles and Lenny develops naturally—it’s a slow burn, but it feels realistic. The friends-to-lovers trope is executed effortlessly and beautifully throughout the book. I also loved the side characters; they serve as the perfect support system, helping Lenny learn to "live again" after losing her best friend to cancer. Each one is introduced seamlessly into the story, from Jericho’s bike accident to the friend group with Jeffy and Rica, whose overnight camping trip had led to a significant moment in Lenny’s grieving journey.

But most of all, Miles was crafted to perfection. He is patient, thoughtful, witty, and sweet. More than anything, he is loving and caring in the most subtle but thoughtful ways—both for Lenny and for his extended family, Reese and Ainsley. Hands down, he's a 10 in my book!

Overall, Promise Me Sunshine is a heartfelt and beautifully written romance about love, loss, and the importance of a strong support system during grief. It’s a touching yet uplifting story, and I highly recommend it.

"Grief is a relationship," he continues. "It's the way we figure out how to keep loving them even though they're gone. And in order to do that we have to keep on going.”

I was overcome with several emotions here. I cried, swooned and laughed. there was no in between. "I cry of course, I laugh of course." this sums that up. This was such a heartfelt experience that I treasured profoundly. Bastone weaved together a comforting story here that easily become one of my favorite reads this year

This is a love story, I swear. This is what happens when you’ve promised someone you’ll live again.

Much of this delved into the exploration of grief; here you see Lenny deep in her grief one minute, a ray of sunshine the next, but also racked with guilt as she heals and that aspect felt so visceral to read about. Her experience reminds you how non linear grief is yet how it can hit you randomly all the same. Grief aside, this was also a beautifully moving story of re-discovery of self, healing and love between Lenny and miles

"There's only you, Lenny. Every time... it's just you."

It squeezed my heart to see them both heal because while this story focuses primarily on miles helping Lenny--she helped him. this is something i never get tired of seeing when it comes to two people who find each other at the right time unbeknownst to them. I relished in the friendship they built and the slow-burn here. each and every moment of theirs mattered so much to me. I mean; the glances, the tenderness, coming to terms with their feelings, their words & unspoken ones too?! It was everything to see them support one another in reminding each other to show up for themselves and anchoring each other during challenging moments.

“the Miles who engineered this whole camping trip, fed everybody, that guy exists because you're in my life."

MILES. this precious soul that I feel at a loss for words with but am so in awe of. Miles knew grief well, having lived with it for so long that it was easier to navigate Lenny’s since he had survived his own. Even so, i was able to feel his grief all the while when he spoke about it 🥺 Taking care of others and being needed helped him, as it allowed him to live again in the way that was needed for him to move forward, and he remembered that when he met her. His insightfulness and entire demeanor in how he carried himself spoke to me, and of course Lenny, as she came to certain realizations along the way. I loved how he knew her, heard her, and cared for her. The locket and all else he did for Lenny, seeing as there wasn't anything he wouldn't do—fulfilled me 🤍

"You are not betraying her by healing. You are honoring her. You are learning to love her exactly as she is… as someone who isn’t here anymore. That’s who she is now. And this journey through grief … It’s what we do for the great love’s of our lives.”

It would be remiss of me not to mention how Lenny helped Miles heal through the remnants of his own grief that stood with him, as certain things came together with his family and personal life—because she saw him too simply put. I thought her personality and form of bantering was fun when she wasn’t consumed by her grief. It made me laugh as she had no filter and it managed to add some lightheartedness to the story. But I felt her pain, as I know loss, but not in the same way and can't imagine that type of emptiness. the range of emotions Lenny felt and how she spoke about Lou, made me feel like I knew her because of the deeply loving connection they had. Sadly, the sorrow from that can feel even deeper when that love feels like it’s gone—until you realize it just transforms—which Lenny did.

I've just cracked the code. How to live a perfect existence: just embrace it all, every lovely/excruciating color.

it warmed me to see Lenny live again and see her feel things she didn’t think were possible to feel. honoring her friend but also making room for others and miles who did the same. I adored them 🥹 this story serves as a reminder that we can grow and experience life in new ways, even after loss. While I would’ve liked to see one aspect through, I thought the story concluded in a way I was happy with, yet I wouldn’t be opposed to a future epilogue as this didn't have one?? 😭

Definitely would recommend if you want your heart to ache yet have it feel undoubtedly full by the end. I can't wait to read more by this author!

Somehow reading this reminded me of a familiar movie I can’t recall (early 2000's movies for sure) but it comforted me in the same way. And I couldn’t help but see the potential to an adaptation since I could picture the setting in NYC so vividly as I knew it myself

For a moment, I think he’s telling Lou that he loves her, but when I look up, his eyes are on me. It occurs to me that he does love Lou. Because he loves me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

there were too many quotes and scenes I highlighted in this to mention but here's a few

I had one person on this earth who would have died for me, and I would have died for her if possible. But it wasn’t possible. There was nothing I could do.

His mouth is smooth and stubble-rough, and the nonsense of a kiss—why do people put their lips together when they're in love?—has never made more sense. Because him. Because this moment. Because Miles would turn his life inside out just to make me okay.

“Lou and I had our own world.” He laughs. “I can tell.” “How?” “It’s written all over everything you do and say. Like a signature, or a fingerprint or something.”

"Is it silly that I didn't realize I was drowning until he told me he won't let it happen?"

"Lenny, the stakes are low with you because you're the most loyal person I've ever met. You're fully on my team.

How much of my personality is grief and how much is me?

"So you'll come with me if I ask?" "Lenny, I'll do anything you ask me to."

I love Cara Bastone, and this is a beautifully written book. But honestly, I felt like it was too long. Lenny’s goal was to live without being paralyzed by grief. Miles’ goal was to forge a relationship with his niece. Both of those things happened by the midpoint. So why did the book keep going? I might come back and finish the book later, but for now, I’m done with it. The story feels directionless.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

what a beautiful book 🥹 Cara gifted us with a tender and sweeping story on grief and life after loss. This covers healing and self-exploration while still being so romantic. It’s raw while also being balanced with humor and top tier banter. I felt seen and understood and I think this will help anyone who has lost a loved one. I also adored the romance aspect!! Miles needs to be protected at all cost!! I can’t wait to read every thing Cara Bastone writes!!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book with an ARC. This novel had several things going for it:
- depiction crippling intense grief was well done (I think? I'm not sure I've felt that before)
- Lenny was a well developed FMC with no shortage of quirkyness
- lots of good one-liners / banter
- Miles was a good MMC (but not a top tier book boyfriend)
- Gorgeous cover

I have mixed feelings on the slow burn, sometimes I liked it, sometimes I was underwhelmed.

“Every time I fall in love with you there’s lightning”

Goddamn I love a book that simultaneously makes me swoon and cry like a baby.

This is a book about grief, love, and learning to live again. I loved all the characters, especially Lenny. She felt so imperfect and so real, it really felt like I got to know her through these pages. Miles was wonderful and his love story with Lenny was gentle and genuine and sweet. God I want more of them!! The supporting characters were precious as well - damn I just loved this book so much.

Some of my favorite moments:
-Ainsley! She’s such a star and the best source of heart and comic relief throughout this book. God I wish I could have seen that talent show with my own eyeballs
-Lenny’s fantasies for sure
-The locket 🥹 swoonworthy!!!
-The grappa!! The matching tattoos!!
-The Met and of course Lou ❤️‍🩹

This book did a wonderful job touching on grief. Whether you’ve lost a family member, a friend, or even a pet you know exactly how it feels. I’m so thankful for this lovely book and to the author for putting into words exactly that experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review