Passion Project

by London Sperry

Romance

Contemporary

368 Pages

"This phenomenal debut had me laughing, crying, and completely transported to NYC. A perfect slow-burn romance!"

Synopsis

If your twenties are supposed to be the best years of your life, Bennet Taylor is failing spectacularly. Working dead-end temp jobs in New York City with no direction, no future, and no social life, she's stuck in a fog of grief over the death of her first love, Sam. When her well-meaning roommate sets her up on a blind date with photographer Henry Adams, Bennet panics and stands him up—only to accidentally run into him hours later at the restaurant where he works. In an alcohol-fueled moment of honesty, she confesses that she's not ready to date and hasn't felt passionate about anything in years. Instead of walking away, Henry proposes an unconventional solution: he'll help her rediscover her zest for life through a series of weekly adventures around Manhattan. Their "passion project" becomes a friendship filled with activities ranging from carpentry classes and tattooing workshops to rappelling off skyscrapers and puppy rescue volunteering. As Bennet slowly lets her guard down and begins to see New York through Henry's eyes, she starts to feel alive again. But when buried secrets surface and her feelings for Henry deepen beyond friendship, Bennet must decide if she's truly ready to move forward from her past and embrace a new future. Passion Project is a tender exploration of grief, healing, and the courage it takes to love again.

Our Take

London Sperry's debut is a remarkable achievement that firmly establishes her as a fresh voice in contemporary romance. What sets Passion Project apart is its authentic portrayal of grief and depression without ever becoming overwhelming or manipulative. Sperry strikes the perfect balance between heartbreak and hope, creating a story that feels both deeply emotional and genuinely uplifting. Bennet is a beautifully complex protagonist whose journey from numbness to renewed passion feels earned rather than rushed. Henry emerges as the ideal romantic hero—patient, understanding, and refreshingly communicative without being unrealistically perfect. The New York City setting becomes almost a third character, with Sperry's vivid descriptions making readers feel like they're experiencing the city's magic alongside the protagonists. The slow-burn romance is expertly paced, building tension through meaningful moments rather than manufactured drama. While some readers may find the extended timeline challenging, those who appreciate character development over instant gratification will be rewarded with a deeply satisfying love story. The book excels at capturing the uncertainty of being in your twenties, making it particularly resonant for readers navigating their own quarter-life crises. Fans of Beach Read by Emily Henry or The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren will find similar warmth and wit here. This is comfort reading at its finest—a "sad girl romance" that ultimately leaves readers feeling hopeful about life and love.