JOSH AND GEMMA MAKE A BABY

A woman comes to her first love with an unusual proposition in this romantic comedy.

Gemma Jacobs is running out of time to make her dream come true. The 32-year-old social media manager for a popular self-help guru always wanted a child of her own. But a cheating husband, a divorce, and a diagnosis of stage 4 endometriosis have significantly impeded the process. Enter Josh Lewenthal, a handsome comic artist whom Gemma’s known her whole life. Not only did Josh grow up in the same small town outside New York City, he also was Gemma’s brother’s best friend—and the one whom she lost her virginity to as a teenager. At Gemma’s family’s annual New Year’s Eve party, she proposes that Josh donate his sperm so she can finally conceive via in vitro fertilization. Though Josh resists at first, he quickly comes around and asks to be involved in the child’s life, as his father and only family member is dying. As Josh and Gemma start spending more time together, the chemistry they had as teens surfaces. At the same time, Gemma’s boss, the handsome and charismatic Ian Fortune, begins pursuing her with full knowledge she’s undergoing IVF. Will Josh stay a donor and co-parent or become something much more? And will Gemma be able to get pregnant? Romance author Ready gives Gemma rich and complex motivations for wanting a baby. The author also creates a vibrant cast of characters, especially the protagonist’s fertility support group, whose members range from a tough-talking attorney and a wealthy socialite to an optimistic hippie, all united in their desire for children. Josh is an ideal contemporary romance hero: devoted to his dad, more of a creative genius than Gemma originally thought, fully supportive of her decision to have a baby with his sperm, and with a body that includes “rock hard abs.” The details of reproductive challenges and medical interventions are explicit and not for the faint of heart but can provide information and comfort to those who are curious or have experienced fertility struggles themselves.

An unusual and winning read about a little-discussed topic.