Ready or Not: Hearts Of New York Series (Book 1)

"Ready or Not" is a heartfelt, funny, and deeply emotional contemporary romance by Cara Bastone that follows a young woman whose life is completely upended by an unexpected pregnancy. The story centers on Hale, who discovers she is pregnant after a brief, whirlwind fling. Determined to embrace this chaotic new chapter but facing it completely on her own, she finds an unexpected pillar of strength in Eve, her best friend’s fiercely protective and dependable brother. Though Eve has spent years keeping his genuine affection for Hale hidden, he steps seamlessly into the role of her primary support system, accompanying her to doctor appointments and helping her prepare for the reality of motherhood. As the months progress, their comfortable, lifelong dynamic begins to shift into an undeniable, slow-burning romantic attraction.

Told with exceptional warmth, emotional maturity, and a touch of wit, this engaging romance expertly balances the real-world anxieties of impending parenthood with a sweet, high-stakes transition from friendship to love. The narrative captures the raw vulnerability of opening up to a partner when your life is at its most unpredictable, populated by charmingly flawed and deeply relatable characters. Set against the vibrant, bustling backdrop of New York City, the story explores the true meaning of modern family, the beauty of unconditional support, and the realization that love often arrives exactly when you least expect it.