Debut novelist London Sperry delivers a heartfelt romantic comedy with Passion Project that balances humor and heartache in equal measure. This is not your typical rom-com—it’s a nuanced examination of grief wrapped in the trappings of a meet-cute narrative. The novel follows Bennet Taylor, a twenty-something temp worker in New York City struggling to find direction after the death of her college boyfriend Sam. When she accidentally connects with the charming and persistent Henry Adams, she reluctantly agrees to his “Passion Project”—a summer-long quest to discover what might reignite her zest for life.
Sperry crafts a narrative that’s both achingly real and delightfully entertaining, perfect for readers who appreciate romance stories with emotional depth and authentic character growth.
The Weight of Grief and the Path to Healing
Passion Project’s greatest strength lies in its authentic portrayal of grief. Bennet is stuck in an emotional limbo—not living but merely existing, afraid to move forward and plagued by guilt over Sam’s death. Her grief isn’t just a plot device but a fully realized experience that permeates every aspect of her life. When she muses that “being human is terrible,” the weight of her pain resonates profoundly.
Sperry doesn’t rush Bennet’s healing journey, allowing her protagonist the space to stumble, backslide, and make mistakes. This approach creates a refreshingly realistic portrayal of grief that acknowledges its messy, non-linear nature. Bennet’s eventual realization that “having your shit together is not a prerequisite for love” serves as the emotional core of the novel—a powerful reminder that healing and love can coexist with grief.
Character Development: From Isolation to Connection
The character development in Passion Project by London Sperry unfolds naturally through Bennet’s evolving relationships:
- Bennet Taylor: Initially trapped in a cycle of self-isolation and guilt, Bennet gradually opens herself to new experiences and connections. Her first-person narration allows readers intimate access to her internal struggles, creating a protagonist who is flawed but deeply sympathetic.
- Henry Adams: Far from the one-dimensional “perfect guy,” Henry has his own vulnerabilities, particularly regarding his father’s dementia. His persistent optimism balanced with genuine emotional depth makes him a compelling love interest rather than a mere catalyst for Bennet’s growth.
- Supporting Characters: The novel features a rich cast of secondary characters, from Bennet’s roommate Sonya to Sam’s sister Andy, each with their own emotional arcs that complement the main narrative.
What elevates the novel is how Sperry uses these relationships to illustrate that healing happens through connection rather than isolation. As Bennet reconnects with old friends and builds new relationships, she slowly reclaims her capacity for joy.
New York City: More Than Just a Backdrop
Sperry transforms New York City from a mere setting into an essential character in the narrative. Through Bennet and Henry’s Saturday adventures, readers experience both iconic landmarks and hidden gems across the five boroughs. From dangling off skyscrapers to exploring rooftop gardens, their journeys capture the vibrant, multifaceted nature of the city.
The novel’s New York doesn’t just serve as a glamorous backdrop but reflects Bennet’s emotional journey. Initially feeling like “a city that doesn’t like me,” New York gradually becomes a place of possibility and, ultimately, home. This transformation mirrors Bennet’s own evolution, making the setting integral to the story’s emotional resonance.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What Works Well
- Emotional authenticity: Sperry never sacrifices emotional truth for easy romance, creating a love story that feels earned rather than convenient.
- Dialogue: The banter between Bennet and Henry sparkles with wit while revealing character nuances and emotional subtext.
- Supporting cast: Secondary characters like Sonya, Jamie, and Sal have distinct personalities and meaningful arcs of their own.
- Structure: The “Passion Project” framework provides a satisfying narrative scaffold while allowing for organic character development.
Room for Improvement
- Pacing inconsistencies: The middle section occasionally meanders, with some adventures contributing more to character development than others.
- Predictable conflict: The climactic confrontation at the wedding follows somewhat conventional romance novel patterns, slightly undercutting the novel’s otherwise fresh approach.
- Underdeveloped themes: Some promising themes, like the tension between passion as purpose versus passion as joy, could have been explored more thoroughly.
- Secondary storylines: A few subplot threads receive less resolution than they deserve, particularly Bennet’s career aspirations.
Final Thoughts: A Promising Debut That Balances Heart and Humor
Passion Project marks London Sperry as a distinctive new voice in romantic fiction. The novel succeeds by treating grief with the complexity it deserves while still delivering the warmth and humor readers expect from the genre. Bennet’s journey from emotional numbness to embracing life’s possibilities feels authentic rather than contrived.
What makes this debut particularly impressive is Sperry’s ability to address weighty themes without sacrificing entertainment value. She reminds us that stories about healing don’t have to be somber to be meaningful. Through Bennet and Henry’s adventures, readers are invited to consider their own capacity for renewal and connection.
While the novel occasionally relies on familiar romantic comedy beats, Sperry’s fresh perspective and emotional honesty elevate Passion Project above standard genre fare. For readers seeking a romance that acknowledges life’s complexities while still providing warmth and hope, this debut delivers both satisfaction and substance.
Who Should Read This Book?
Passion Project by London Sperry will particularly appeal to:
- Fans of emotional romantic comedies like Josie Silver’s One Day in December or Emily Henry’s novels
- Readers who appreciate stories about grief and healing like Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Forever, Interrupted
- New York City enthusiasts who enjoy seeing the city through fresh eyes
- Anyone who has experienced loss and the complicated path toward healing
A touching, frequently funny, and emotionally resonant debut that announces London Sperry as a promising new voice in contemporary romance. Passion Project remains a satisfying read despite minor flaws, combining romantic comedy conventions with genuine emotional depth. It reminds us that the path to healing is rarely straightforward but always worth the journey.
The Verdict in Brief
Strengths:
- Authentic portrayal of grief and healing
- Well-developed, nuanced characters
- Vibrant New York City setting
- Balanced humor and emotional weight
Weaknesses:
- Occasional pacing issues
- Some predictable plot elements
- A few underdeveloped themes
Passion Project by London Sperry demonstrates that romantic comedies can tackle serious subjects without losing their charm. Sperry has crafted a debut that will make readers laugh, cry, and—most importantly—believe in the possibility of finding joy again after loss. Like its characters, the novel reminds us that it’s never too late to rediscover passion in life, even if the path there isn’t what we expected.
