Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback for the ARC of Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone.

Wow oh wow!!! First, where can I find me a Miles 😍💕. Like every woman’s dream guy. Cara Bastone has been sitting on my shelf for a long time and I’ve simply skipped her books because she’s a new to me author. Then I got this ARC and now I’ll be going back and picking up those other ones.

In this book, Lenny is trying to get through each day after losing the love of her like and best friend Lou. She struggles to just get up and do the basic daily functions let alone keep the steady work coming. Insert Reese who needs a nanny and is willing to hire Lenny to work as needed with her daughter Ainsley. And then Miles is there on the first day, certain Lenny is not the best fit. Off to a bad start, but then they learn where the other is coming from. Lenny and Miles come to an agreement to help one another out and the rest is just one big emotional pull at your heart. A great read for fans of slow burn, friends to lovers!

Consumed by grief after losing her best friend, Lenny throws herself into her work as a nanny, avoiding the life she no longer recognizes. Her latest job seems simple—until she clashes with Ainsley’s sharp-eyed uncle, Miles.
When Miles proposes a deal—he’ll help her move forward if she helps him connect with Ainsley—Lenny hesitates. But maybe healing isn’t about forgetting the past; maybe it’s about making space for something new—like love.

This is my first book by Cara Bastone, and I don’t understand how I’ve never read her work before?!? Without a doubt, this book was a five starts ⭐️ I finished it within 24 hours because I could not put it down!

Promise Me Sunshine is a deeply emotional and beautifully written story of heartbreak and healing—the kind of book that shatters you, then slowly stitches you back together with love, loss, and a romance so tender it lingers long after the final page.

"Mom, he walked into hell and dragged me back out."

I was not expecting the emotional depth this book delivered. Lenny’s journey is portrayed with such authenticity that, even though I’ve never personally experienced the loss of a best friend, I could still easily relate my own experiences with grief, and the struggle of trying to live (survive?) with it. The story doesn’t hesitate to show the raw, unfiltered reality of loss, and there were moments that brought tears to my eyes. I just wanted to give Lenny a huge hug! While the story is steeped in heartbreak, it’s also rich with moments of warmth and hope. The evolving love between Lenny and Miles, infused with humour and lighthearted moments, offers a tender reprieve from the grief that permeates their journey.

Lenny and Miles are both such wonderfully complex characters, each feeling incredibly real and deeply human. After getting over their initial first impressions of each other, their connection and loyalty to each other feels so natural and tender, with a warmth that’s easy to get lost in. And that banter! Bastone’s storytelling clearly shines through in every moment, capturing the evolution of their bond with such skill.

If I had one complaint, it’s simply that I didn’t want this book to end—I need more!

I will absolutely be looking into Bastone’s other titles. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review! I know it’s only February, but I’m confident to say this will be one of my top books of the year. I will be recommending this book to everyone!

A beautiful, tender, humourous exploration of grief, as we follow our girl Lenny in the aftermath of her best friend's death. I loved how the author made grief relatable; everything Lenny did felt like right and I think because there is no right or wrong way to grieve, we were able to enjoy watching Lenny discover who she is without her friend around.

And yes, Miles is the perfect book boyfriend. He's sweet and kind and thoughtful, and I just loved how he was always bringing her food (that's totally my love language!) He is able to help Lenny walk through her pain having also suffered great loss and this made their story so believable.

This is a wonderful romance story (though there is some spice so be warned), though the grief storyline precludes it from being light, easy reading. But it is emotional and so well written, I would definitely recommend this to all my friends!

Many thanks to Net Galley and Random House for sharing a digital review copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

Whatever Cara Bastone writes, I consider it an emotional art piece.

The friends to lovers slow burn simmers and is perfectly concocted. You know how chefs cook with purpose and each step to their meal is intentional? Cara Bastone's writing feels exactly like that.

Lenny as a main character is so incredibly written, she's not just a main character that you end up loving but she's a complex character navigating grief. You don't just read this to experience the romance, but you read this to watch her grow. Miles is a simple guy who you simply fall in love with. He is the small things that you learn to appreciate in the long run. Lenny and Miles are two puzzle pieces that clicked together immediately!

I truly loved how we got to see the complexity of grief and what it means to lose a loved one. I think a lot of books don't capture the raw emotions that it is, but this book managed to do that and more.

Thank you Netgalley & Dial Press for the E-Arc <333

This book is a gem, and the world must tune in to its beauty!

I started reading Promise Me Sunshine thinking I was reading a romance novel, and by the time I finished, I realized I was half right. I think anyone who classifies this book as romance is underselling the book (and I say this as a romance book fanatic!) Of course, Promise Me Sunshine has romance- but I would say the "main" romance that happens is between Lenny (our FMC) and life!
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are all people you want to root for, and there's just enough for the reader to get to know our side characters without taking away from the main characters, while still feeling fleshed out.
This is a beautiful novel that really is about dealing with grief. I also appreciate that the grief is about a best friend- usually novels/media that have characters experiencing grief, it's a parent or significant other, and dealing with the grief of losing your best friend has been missing from the conversation.

A very heartfelt strangers to friends to lovers story with two characters experiencing and overcoming grief. It’s a story about finding joy again after insurmountable loss.

For readers who love stories with MMCs who are protective and make their entire identity supporting the FMC (to the point where it’s utterly unrealistic) this book is absolutely for you.

Thank you NetGalley and Dial Press for my digital copy.

Title: Promise Me Sunshine
Author: Cara Bastone
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: March 4, 2025

I received a complimentary eARC from Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted

T H R E E • W O R D S

Subtle • Heartwarming • Hopeful

📖 S Y N O P S I S

Lenny’s a bit of a mess at the moment. Her best friend, Lou, recently passed away after a battle with cancer, and her death has left Lenny feeling completely lost. She’s avoiding her concerned parents, the apartment she shared with Lou, and the list of things she’s supposed to do to help her live again. The only thing she can do is temporary babysitting gigs, and luckily, she just landed a great one, helping overworked, single mom Reese and her precocious daughter, Ainsley. It’s not perfect: Ainsley’s uncle, Miles, always seems to be around, and is kind of... a huge jerk. But if Lenny acts like she has it all together, maybe no one will notice she’s falling apart.

Miles sees right through her though. Turns out, he knows a lot about grief and, surprisingly, he offers her 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 Lou has left behind, but she begins to spend more time with Miles, Lenny is surprised to discover that, sometimes, losing everything is only the first step to finding yourself, and love, again.

💭 T H O U G H T S

Promise Me Sunshine from Cara Bastone is another of my 2025 most anticipated releases, so of course, I was ecstatic to be offered an early copy from the publisher. I had seen several glowing reviews from friends before jumping in, however, I hadn't read the synopsis in order to keep my expectations in check.

Told through Lenny's perspective, this story is a beautiful portrayal of friendship - both platonic and romantic. There is so much heart and realism to how the author develops the relationships between the characters, not just the two main characters. The backdrop of the NYC setting held meaning to the characters and the secondary cast were a great addition to the story. I do have to say, the pacing was a little wonky for me. It was very slow burn and then all at once it felt rushed and underdeveloped.

The strength here lies in the portrayal of the complex nature of grief and in learning to navigate life after the death of someone we love. Lenny's behaviour and thoughts felt all too relatable. And the way in which Miles shows up for her were heartwarming. Beyond the grief, there are complicated family dynamics that are also handled with care. However, I felt like the narrative could have went even deeper emotionally on both of these.

Overall, Promise Me Sunshine was a relatable and realistic story covering real life stuff and just the type of romance book I enjoy best. It didn't pack the depth of emotional punch I might have been expecting, but I was invested in Lenny and Miles' story and all of the messiness that is grief. The little tease of Cara's next novel at the end was a fantastic surprise and I look forward to reading it when it releases.

📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• friends-to-lovers
• themes of grief
• In Five Years

⚠️ CW: death, death of parent, grief, cancer, terminal illness, car accident, alcohol, vomit, cursing, sexual content, infidelity, suicidal thoughts, abandonment

🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S

"But the thing about losing the person you love the most on earth is - somehow - you still have to do mundane thing like tie your shores and make enough money to continue to exist in this punishing world."

"But I've been there, Lenny. Right where you are. Where your lose control of your life and nothing makes sense anymore."

"Just remember. Something good for you, something bad for you, and a change of scenery. That's the winning formula."

"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. And going and going."

"He walked into hell and dragged me back out."

My Grade: B ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book has multiple characters going through their journey with grief and the grieving process. My mom passed away last year, and this story really hit me hard. I highlighted dozens of inspirational quotes and all the beautiful moments that resonated with me.

The FMC Lenny and MMC have wonderful chemistry and the slow burn was absolute perfection. The sweet moments they share and their growing relationship was great to experience. I also loved the bond between Lenny and Ainsley, and how they connected so quickly.

I did find Lenny to be a bit immature at times, and the way she expressed her developed feelings for Miles was awkward. I didn't like the way they were finally brought together, but the ending of the book was very sweet.

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Slightly open door scene but not overly gratuitous. Nicely done.

TW/CW: Cancer, loss of a parent and sibling, mentions of car accident, possible depression.

Promise Me Sunshine

⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a healing book for anyone dealing with loss of a loved one. Most books covering loss deal with a family member, but I truly appreciate that this one deals with a best friend, because I know I would be grieving as deeply and horrifically as Lenny does when she loses her best friend, Lou, to cancer. I loved the story line of a mutual beneficial agreement between Lenny and Miles; Miles helping Lenny check off her Living checklist, and Lenny helping miles build a relationship with his niece that she is nannying - but I had a hard time connecting with the characters. They didn’t feel tangible to me, and the language felt very young and dare I say, too quirky. As much as Miles being respectable and not willing to rush anything before Lenny was ready was appreciated, the one spice scene in the whole book was cringy because Miles kept trying to back out while she was begging for it. If their characters had better dialogue, I think I would have rated this either a 4 or 5 star, because I really loved the concept!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an early copy of this book in exchange for a review ❤️❤️

“I’ve spent the entire day pretending I’m not bleeding on the inside. The emotion fights its way out of me in waves.”

“I mean that when people are feeling a thousand things at once, that’s when the wheels come off. They start messing up at work or in their marriages or whatever. Nobody lives skillfully when they’re experiencing this sort of thing.”

Lenny is living a life drowning in grief. After the loss of her best friend, she cant bring herself to go back to the apartment they shared, and finds herself riding the ferry back and forth all night. She is living off temporary babysitting gigs, and has landed one watching Ainsley. Ainsley’s uncle Miles seems to always be around, and very cautious of Lenny and how she works. Over time, Miles shows he knows a lot more about grief than he shows, and he makes it his mission to help Lenny through her grief.

4.5 stars. Oh hello I am Lenny. Maybe not as extreme in my actions, but I felt her so hard in this book. My heart just broke for everything she was going through and how she was trying to manage her grief but still live. I loved the slow burn romance between her and Miles, and I truly just adored Miles and how committed he was to helping Lenny through her grief. This book was so filled with care, compassion, and heart and it just filled my cup. Anyway, currently taking applications for a Miles…just saying.

Thank you to @thedialpress for my gifted copy of this book!

Lenny is drowning in grief after the death of her best friend, Lou, to cancer. She's avoiding everything from her life before Lou's death - including her mother and her apartment. But she's holding on tight to a list she made with Lou of things to help her live again. She's taking on temporary nannying gigs, where she meets Reece and her daughter Ainsley. And Ainsley's uncle Miles who is always lurking in the shadows. Turns out Miles recognizes Lenny's grief and he offers to help her tackle her list if she will help him make a connection with Ainsley.

Seeing how I've luckily never had to deal with the grief that Lenny and Miles have experienced, I felt sort of disconnected to parts of the story. However, I love a story where he falls first and it becomes obvious pretty quickly that Miles is developing feelings for Lenny beyond trying to pull her through the grief. Given the nature of grief, it should be obvious but this is a heavier romance read and an emotional journey. I enjoyed the reading experience but not as much as "Ready or Not" which I found to be utterly charming. This one is a solid pick for those of us who like our romances to have depth and flawed characters.

Overall 4/5
Spice: 1.5/3

With an introduction to Cara Bastone's work like Ready or Not, I wondered if there was any way her second book could live up to my expectations. But oh boy, it can. I can confidently say that even though it's only early February, any book will have a hard time knocking this down from the podium of Favourite Read of 2025.

A beautifully written story of love and grief, this is a must-read for any romance fans who have lost someone close to them. A gut-punch in the best way.

This book was so beautifully written. I loved how the focus was on overcoming the grief that all of us will experience at some point in our lives. I love that Lenny goes through this journey and we get to see Miles help her through. My favorite line in the book was "he walked into hell and pulled me back out" I think we all need to find someone willing to do that. I love it.

After losing her best friend Lou to cancer, Lenny stopped living her life. She can't go anywhere that reminds her of Lou, including the apartment they shared. When she takes a new nanny job, her path crosses with the grumpy Miles, uncle to the girl she's nannying. After catching Lenny riding the Staten Island Ferry all night instead of going home, Miles realizes that Lenny could use some help with her grief. Lucky for Lenny, Miles is an expert. Together, they start crossing items off Lou's "Live Again List". As Lenny slowly learns to live again, can she also learn to open herself up to love again?

Okay, I'm officially obsessed! This was a beautiful story of grief and love. The way Miles is just there for Lenny, supporting her, even if it's just sitting with her while she cries 😭. I don't often give out 5 stars, but this one absolutely deserves it. Side note: no third act breakup and just one brief 🌶️ scene.

I'm going to need a trophy copy on my shelf of this one. Pub date is March 4th! 😍 Thank you to @netgalley and @thedialpress for this ARC in exchange for my honest review

Promise Me Sunshine is by far my favorite read of 2025, and maybe ever? It covers grief in ways most books don’t, and if you’ve ever lost a loved one, this one will hit you where it hurts but also give you such great insight while also being so funny. If you’re looking for a new read 10000/10 recommend this one.

"Every time I fall in love with you, there's lightning"

Ugh, I adore this book. I adore these characters. I adore this story. I loved Lenny's personality and humor - I truly wish she could be my IRL friend. And Miles? He walked into hell and dragged her out. May this love find me!!!!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
Spice: 🌶️
Tropes: friends to lovers; grief and recovery; nanny romance (he’s the uncle)

Content Warning: this story starts after the death of a best friend. Please carefully consider if this is a topic for you.

Lenny immediately imagines her love life with every man she makes eye contact with and hilariously theorizes their relationship from start to finish. She does this when she meets Miles, the uncle to the little girl she’s nannying. We don’t see her prediction come to fruition, but instead see a beautiful, evolving relationship as he helps guide her through her grief.

This book is the epitome of why I read romance, and I truly don’t want to give reveal more of the plot because it is perfect. From their first night on the ferry to their camping trip, I was waiting with bated breath for what will happen next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for access to this e-Arc in exchange for an honest review.

DNF @ 45%,
I found myself bored and not fully in the story, I can see the potential for a good read.
It’s not the right time for me.
I think my mind just isn’t in it right now, I’ll potentially read it in the future and grab myself a physical copy!

Thank you for the arc

Thank you to the publisher for the arc of Promise Me Sunshine.

This book!!!! This was my first book I’ve read by this author and I am wholly impressed to say the least. This was the perfect length to have a fully developed plot and characters that had building chemistry!! This is how you write romance!! Loved it.

This book lives in my brain in the moments I was not reading it. I absolutely fell in love with Lenny and Miles. I loved Lenny’s banter and the way Miles took care of her throughout the book. This book also shattered my heart. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.