Love and grief cannot exist without each other. We meet Lenny when she’s deep in the trenches of grief and is struggling to even consider pulling out of it. The story being from her POV puts you in the trenches too. You will love Lenny and root for her along the way. I laughed, I cried and deeply felt throughout this entire book. I can already tell it’ll be one of my favorite reads this year.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

If you're looking for a book that feels like a warm hug and a reminder that life goes on, you've got to pick up *Promise Me Sunshine* by Cara Bastone. This story swept me away, and I have to say, I absolutely loved it. It's about grief, healing, and those unexpected moments when life gives you a second chance, even when you least expect it.

The main character, Lenny, is going through a really tough time. Her best friend, Lou, died of cancer, and Lenny is completely lost without her. She's disconnected from everything—her caring parents, the apartment she used to share with Lou, and even life in general. She’s got a list of things she needs to do to get herself moving again, but honestly, it’s all just too much. The one thing she *can* manage is babysitting, which leads her to an awesome gig helping out Reese, a single mom who's juggling way too much. Reese's daughter, Ainsley, is a bright little spark—super smart and full of energy—but there’s one issue: her uncle Miles.

At first, Miles seems like a total nightmare. He’s curt, guarded, and comes across as pretty rude. Let’s just say, Lenny is definitely not a fan. But as Lenny continues to show up for Ainsley, she realizes that Miles is around all the time, and slowly, the two of them start to see more than just the surface of each other.

It turns out, Miles knows a lot about heartache too. He offers Lenny a deal that changes everything: if she helps him improve his bond with his niece and mends some fences with Reese, he’ll help her tackle that “live again” list she’s been avoiding. At first, Lenny isn’t so sure—how can ticking off items on a list or helping Miles fix his family really fill the hole Lou left in her life? But as they spend more time together, Lenny and Miles both find pieces of themselves they'd thought they’d lost forever.
This book was such a heartfelt journey. It felt so real, so human. You laugh, you tear up, and by the end, you realize that it’s not just a story of grief—it’s about finding bits of joy even when everything feels heavy. Lenny and Miles are both so flawed, and that's what makes their growth feel so moving.

This is my second Cara Bastone book, and let me tell you—it won’t be my last. Her way of writing feels so natural and relatable like she’s sitting with you and telling a story over coffee. If you’re in the mood for a book that feels like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds, give *Promise Me Sunshine* a try. It’s a story of healing and love, but mostly, it’s a gentle reminder that even when life feels broken, there’s always a way to find light again.
4.75 Stars!
#PromiseMeSunshine, #CaraBastone, #RandomHouse, #NetGalley

I absolutely loved this book. I love the way Cara Bastone writes because it’s so raw, but beautifully poetic at the same time. This book wasn’t just a good love story with swoony and romantic moments, but it made me feel like I was healing alongside her characters. This story was emotionally heavy, but in a way that felt like taking vitamins because it was good for me. Dealing with grief is a really tough subject to write on, but I thought Bastone captured what it can look like to go through that process while writing a captivating love story alongside it. I really love the characters, and they reminded me a lot of the main characters in the movie Garden State. I really liked that they both had character arcs and grew in ways that made sense and felt complimentary to each other instead of reliant on each other.

Lenny is barely keeping herself from drowning in her grief over the loss of her best friend and hops between short-term nannying gig to. When the grumpy uncle of her latest charge gives her a lifeline in exchange for Lenny helping him connect with his niece, a slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance begins. I loved this book. I stayed up late to finish. Sweet, hopeful, and just precious, I will read anything Cara Bastone writes. Thank you to Net Galley and Random House for the ARC!

Oh Cara Bastone you never fail to write a top tier book.

God this was so fantastic. Not only is it an incredible representation of grief in life but also the sweetest example of community and found family. We go through a range of emotions depicted through Lenny's grief of her best friend, essentially her other half, Lou.

As she is working at her new job, she meets the grumpy Miles who agrees to help her get through every single day and work through the constant reminders that Lou is gone. In exchange, Lenny helps Miles bond with his sister and niece. This book is filled with raw emotion and so so so much heart.

Miles is freaking HOT. I LOVED his and Lenny's relationship!!! I am not a friends to lovers gal; however, I forever love the way Cara writes the trope!!! It's relatable to the time period today and truly a joy to watch the pair slowly fall in love from strangers to acquaintances to friends to lovers. I love how he constantly shows up for the people in his life. He's incredibly loyal and understands the deep depression that Lenny is currently experiencing.

Besides the incredibly realistic depiction of grief, my favorite aspect of this book was the found family. Cara perfectly depicts the community of New York City through the constant people that Lenny and Miles interact with on a daily basis. The whole cast of characters bring so much love to this and I personally need to know where they are in the future.

God I loved this and I can't wait to read it again.

Thank you PRH Audio, Dial Press, Cara Bastone, and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Promise Me Sunshine is so much more than a romance. It addresses finding oneself after experiencing loss and during the grieving process. I loved all the characters and thought the family dynamic was heartwarming and touching. The growth each had was satisfying. The relationship between Lenny and Ainsley is charming. The chemistry between Lenny and Miles is palpable and unfolded in a realistic and organic way. This is my second book by this author and Bastone is now an auto-read author for me. I enjoy romances that have depth and substance and she hits the mark!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Good god I loved this book. Like BIG loved it. I am a romance girly, through and through… just recently coming to terms with this actually. Promise Me Sunshine has heart, depth, connection, vibrancy, authenticity, and love. Our mains, Miles and Lenny, are flawed messes, each processing trauma and grief differently, but rising up to meet each other where they are and to accept each other completely. Lenny is trying to get through every day after she looses her best friend / soulmate tragically to cancer, and she is failing at it, miserably. In comes Miles, stepping in to help and seeing a bit of himself in her. Bonus points for Miles being a totally misunderstood grump (a personal fav book-kink of mine).

The grief in this feels visceral and so honest. It is a messy, overwhelming thing that turns everything upside down and going through it, as one can only travel through, is the most challenging endeavor of all of our lives. Learning to live without someone is like learning to live again. And, it feels so singular, but an experience that none of us can get away from.

Miles is strong, unwavering, and dependable. He picks Lenny up, he feeds her, he keeps her safe, and he gives her space to process her grief. He reminds her what it means to live. Lenny is fun, chaotic, social, confident, and open. She sees Miles for who is really is, a hurting, capable, man stuck in fear and grief. They save each other really. This book wonderfully demonstrates that real, deep love and yearning is built from a safe, comfortable space. It isn't built on quick passion that fizzles out.

It is a slow burn friends to lovers romance with a heart of absolute gold. I LOVED IT FROM FRONT TO BACK.

5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eArc in exchange for an honest review

I really enjoyed Ready or Not but I couldn't finish this book because it was too devastating. Cara Bastone is such a talented writer and so good at creating lovable characters with real emotions.

This book broke me beyond repair. I cried so many tears and I'm at a loss for words to describe this beautiful and deeply moving story. This story isn't just about romance. Its about friendship, and grief and how to navigate life after loosing your soul mate. It's about how to keep living when you feel like you have nothing to live for.

Okie this was a good read, for sure, but I am not sure if I would call this a romance. We got platonic love a lot which was lovely to see (both between Miles and Lenny and also between Lou and Lenny). We didn't really get a romantic relationship blossoming between Miles and Lenny until about 85% into the book. Which I can understand the reasoning for, this book is about grieving and learning to live post loss. That element is so beautifully done and I would recommend this book to anyone that is going though a loss maybe even before I recommend a nonfiction book on grieving.

Overall a great read, but I did knock it down a star just for my personal preference of it being too much of a slow burn...I can do that since this is my opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read this INCREDIBLE book early!

I literally don’t think I have enough words to describe how much I utterly loved this book. It’s a deep exploration of grief, and it’s SO well done. Lenny is still hurting from the recent death of her best friend Lou when she accepts a job babysitting young Ainsley. However, Ainsley’s uncle Miles also insists on being there. Though he seems rather foreboding at first, he offers to help Lenny through her grief, having experienced a similar tragedy a few years ago. Readers quickly come to realize that Miles Honey is THE BEST MMC in a romance book EVER.

He’s caring, gentle, understanding, and has a killer way with words. Lenny, on the other hand, is a bit erratic and unpredictable; for example, she crafts love stories for every man she lays eyes on, but it’s hilarious.

This was the first book I read on my new Kindle and let me be the first to tell you that I highlighted soooo many passages! It’s just that good. It’s a slow burn, companions to lovers romance with no third-act break-up (thank God!). And that chapter towards the end where the flirting finally pays off… omg. I reread it. Twice.

Make sure this one is on your radar. It’s everything you could ever want in a romance - and then some. And, mark my words, I WILL be buying myself a physical copy as a shelf trophy when it published on 3/4!

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone is an emotionally rich and heartwarming novel about grief, healing, and unexpected connections. The story follows Lenny, who is struggling to navigate life after the loss of her best friend to cancer. In an attempt to keep herself together, she takes on a temporary babysitting job for Reese, a single mom, and her daughter, Ainsley. But it’s Reese’s brother, Miles, a man as grumpy as he is compassionate, who starts to challenge Lenny’s assumptions about healing and moving on.

The dynamic between Lenny and Miles is one of the book’s strongest points—while they both initially seem worlds apart, their shared understanding of loss creates a deeply genuine connection. Bastone does an excellent job exploring the nuances of grief and the slow, sometimes messy process of rebuilding after tragedy. Lenny’s journey, helped by Miles’ quiet support, is full of tender moments and small victories that make for an uplifting read.

With its blend of humor, emotional depth, and relatable characters, Promise Me Sunshine is a beautiful exploration of second chances and the quiet power of human connection. It’s a heartfelt and hopeful story for anyone who has ever felt lost in their grief, reminding readers that sometimes, the end of one chapter can lead to the beginning of something even better.

Thank you so much to Random House Publishing Group - Dial Press for giving me an early copy of this book!
This is my second time reading one of Cara Bastone’s books and I’m honestly in love! Cara Bastone’s wit draws readers in an instant but it’s her heartfelt writing that grabs a hold and never lets go.
This books was such a great story about grief and learning to love again after loss. Grief is such a hard topic to write about and this was done so well, almost with ease that made me both laugh and tear up constantly.
There is a great slow burn romance in here that supports the story of the FMC and her journey to living after the loss of a loved one, and finding people to lean on and be there with you when you need it most.
I loved so many of the side characters (so many shined) and the comedy in here was always a delight.
I definitely recommend you pick up this book in March if you love stories about friendship, love, and living your life the best you can!
4.75⭐️

Oh, the feelings I felt throughout this book.

Lenny lost her best friend to cancer 6 months ago, and she’s hanging on by a thread. Shes barely eating, barely sleeping, and her hygiene is the worse it’s ever been. She won’t stay in her apartment because it’s where she lived with Lou, so she sleeps on a train.

She agrees to take on full time childcare because Miles (MMC) saw the state she was in and decides to help.

Both Lenny and Miles were amazing charecters. Both lovable, quirky and relatable. Miles is awkward but it’s so SWEET.

The relationship starts as friends until they both realize it’s becoming more than that.

I loved this book and I’m sad it’s over! They are so cute!

Read if you love:
Friendship
Grief
Slow burn
Healing and loss
Friends to lovers

for a longer review including my longwinded thoughts on my own battle with grief, please visit my review at https://overentertained.wordpress.com... )

I'm new to this author, but the premise really hooked me from the blurb. Two people in New York - both in need of help. Miles in need of connecting with his sister and neice. Lenny in need of...everything...trying to survive after her best and lifelong friend has passed away from cancer. Lenny is introduced to us as an utterly broken person by Lou's death...barely capable of functioning and holding on to a list of things to do to "live again" that Lou has given to her before she died. Together, they work to bring Lenny back from the brink. As she describes him later in the book:

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

At another point, Miles talks to her about wolves howling:

"So when you hear a wolf call, and then in the distance, you hear another wolf call back, do you know what that can be roughly translated as?"
"What's that?" "The first one saying, I'm here! I'm here! and the other one says, Me too! Me too!"

And that, my friends, is what you need when you are grieving. You desperately need someone to say "Me too! Me too!"

For me...it was Anderson Cooper's podcast on grief, "All There Is" - I highly encourage everyone to check it out (I wrote about it in my 2024 write-up). But for Lenny...it is Miles...and all that Miles does to just be there for another person. The world needs more people like him. And yes...this is a romance and some might call it a "slow burn," though I think anyone who reads this will understand that nothing can happen until Lenny gets to the place she needs to be - and certainly Miles knows that - so when "it happens" it feels both natural, expected, and "right."

There's so much else in this book I loved. The relationship between Miles and his sister, Reese, seemed so real and believable. Ainsley was adorable in all the ways little kids can be. Lenny and Miles's "found family" are amazing. The sense of place in New York City was excellent - it really felt true. The humor is good and the prose... My goodness. This is some fantastic prose, folks. Top notch.

By the end, I was in tears. Tears of joy and sadness, hope, and beauty. This is what I look for in books. Not romance books...literature itself. This is a fantastic book about grief and how we go on with our lives. About friendship and love and all the things that make life wonderful. And how difficult it is to do so when it feels like our heart has been ripped out.

I wish I could talk to my dad about this book. But in a way...just writing this down...maybe I have.

Five stars. Unreserved. Five stars plus. Highly recommended.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Random House/Dial Press for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this wonderful novel. All opinions are my own and uncompensated. Promise Me Sunshine is out March 4th and can be preordered here.

Now call someone you love. It is never too late.

Thank you to Random House via NetGalley for this e-arc.

How can I put into words just how much this book made me feel and feel seen? Impossible, and yet here is my attempt. Lenny recently lost her best friend Lou to cancer and is slogging through her new life without her. Cue seemingly brooding grump, Miles, who holds her hand through it all.

Seriously this book was a balm to my grieving soul. There’s already something about a MMC who takes care of his partner and then there’s Miles. If you fell in love with tender, sweetie pie Shep in Ready or Not, lock in for Promise Me Sunshine. If only every grieving person had their own Miles (whose only goal this entire book was to take care of our girl Lenny). What made a huge difference for me was that Miles had experienced loss in other capacities as well - he wasn’t just blindly leading our girl to healing through love or something corny. He charmed my pants off while keeping it so real. At times Lenny tended towards a bit much, but there’s nothing I can’t forgive when it comes to the rawness of death and losing a loved one. That kind of loss changes you in ways imagined and unimaginable - it teaches you to lend grace where before you might look away.

Sometimes authors shoot their shot with grief and miss (and miss HARD), but I felt as though Cara Bastone took her time with crafting something real into fiction. Even if you have not experienced losing a loved one, this book is full of tender, caring love, found family, and a FMC who is willing to be vulnerable and open to healing and growth. Promise Me Sunshine is a beautiful story about grief, family, healing, and the cherry on top which is Lenny and Miles’s love story.

Pick this one up March 4th! I will always clutch this book to my chest and feel for Lenny, Lou, and Miles. We all deserve to be seen the way Lenny and Miles see each other throughout this novel 🤍 Another hit for Cara for real.

Oh man. As someone who finds almost any and all messages of grief incredibly emotional, you can imagine how this book wrecked me.

I was a little hesitant bc I felt like I was in the minority after seeing so many people gush over Bastone’s previous book, Ready or Not. But I started hearing great things about this one and I’m so glad I gave her another chance! This story was so hopeful and heartwarming and wholesome; so much so that it’s hard to really put into words. Seeing Lenny and Miles’ relationship blossom was a delight, and I just adored Lenny’s humor and tenacity. I loved her interactions with Ainsley and Reese and Jericho.

Everything was just so charming to read about. I felt like I never stopped crying! You can really feel Lenny’s love for Lou throughout the story, and seeing her work to alter her grief was inspiring. Just loved everything about this one!

Immediately a top read of the year! This book was amazing. Lenny and Miles were perfection. I laughed, I cried. This was truly incredible

Cara Bastone has become an auto-buy author for me. Her MMCs are just the most delicious sweethearts, I can't get enough.

Lenny is grieving her best friend and Miles steps in to 100% be there for her. The navigating through grief felt so raw and overwhelming, what I’d actually expect it to be. And Miles was just the cinnamon roll MMC of my dreams. Bastone is on a roll and I can’t wait for what she comes up with next.

Cara Bastone's writing is just pure sunshine and this one did not disappoint! So adorable and heartwarming, I absolutely loved every single second.