The Soulmate Project

Holly Grove Island #3

by Reese Ryan

In this delightful small‑town romance, can the search for a soulmate make two best friends realize the perfect person was right there all along?

Emerie Roberts is tired of waiting for her best friend, Nicholas Washington, to realize that the two of them would make a perfect couple. And she’s fed up with seeing everyone else get their happy ending while hers is nowhere in sight. When she finally works up the nerve to tell Nick how she feels, she’s devastated to discover that he doesn’t share the same feelings. With her heart broken, Emerie makes a promise to herself that by the same time next year, she will have found the love of her life using a seven-step Soulmate Project.

Meanwhile, despite his deep-seated relationship issues, Nick is forced to confront his growing feelings for his best friend, whether he wants to or not. Can Nick accept that Emerie is his soulmate before the project tears them apart for good?

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, Adult

295 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2024

About the author

Vivian Award-winning author Reese Ryan writes sexy, emotional, “grown folks” romantic fiction set in small Southern towns. Her characters find love while navigating career crises and family drama.

Reese's books have been featured on Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, and BookRiot. She is the host of Story Behind the Story—her YouTube show where readers and authors connect.

Reviews

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

the setup…
Emerie (Em) Roberts and Nicholas (Nick) Washington have been ride-or-die best friends since they were twelve years old. He’s sort of a footloose, relationship free kind of guy and she’s athletic, tomboyish and beautiful. But a few years ago, they went on vacation together and something shifted for Em and she realized her feelings for Nick had moved out of the friend zone. One of her good friends encouraged her to finally share how she feels with him and Em chose the annual Holly Grove Island New Year’s Eve bonfire to put it all out there. But Nick made it clear he didn’t feel the same way and wanted to remain besties. Devastated, Em decides it’s time to quit her crying and move on. She created The Soulmate Project, dedicated to reinventing herself to find a man willing to see her as a long term romantic commitment. Trouble is, Nick wasn’t exactly truthful with her that night at the bonfire.

the heart of the story…
I admired Em for being willing to be this vulnerable not only with Nick but their shared group of friends and family. They all could see that these two felt deeply for each other but knew they needed to find their way without them pushing. Em went all out, from a style makeover to joining dating sites and enrolling in activities that would enhance her opportunities, all the while still trying to get over her heartbreak. I was initially disappointed in Nick’s dishonesty but came to understand it was grounded in some pretty realistic and deeply rooted fears.

the bottom line…
This was a lovely and sometimes frustrating story of two people who had a remarkable friendship that turned to love but were terrified of destroying their relationship. Em was infinitely more patient and forgiving of Nick’s fence straddling than I would have been but she clearly admired and respected this man. I also love the Holly Grove Island community and the strong bonds between their friends and family. It certainly enriched the story and they gave subtle nudges at the best of times. Still loving the series though this one stands alone pretty well.

Posted on Blue Mood Café

(Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)

[Elizabeth Seidl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Emerie, an entrepreneurial, independent woman and her best friend Nick, a VP reaching the potential peak of his career, value most is their decades long friendship with each other. But as time goes on, their visions for their futures have changed - and so too have the nature of their feelings for each other. What if one of them took the step to change their relationships forever? It could be the best thing to ever happen to them... or it could ruin their life-long friendship and their close-knit friend group in one fell swoop.

The Soulmate Project expertly explores what can happen when a strong and determined woman dares to ask for more - and what two friends, individually and together, will have to learn and risk in order to get what they want - and deserve. The friends and family featured in this charming small-town were the icing on the 5-star cake. This was such an enjoyable read - I'm absolutely enamored and must go back to read the first two installments in the Holly Grove Island series (not to mention anything & everything else Reese Ryan has to offer)!

Thank you thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the advanced copy!

[Turtleberry Turtleberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read the previous two books in this series and have enjoyed it so far. So naturally I was excited to read this book.

Emerie and Nicholas have been best friends since childhood. On New Year’s Eve, she gets up the nerve to tell him that she has deeper feelings for him. Nick let’s Em down gently, telling her that he doesn’t see her that way. Afterwards, she decides to start on a journey to find her soulmate.

The truth was that Nick did have feelings for her but he was terrified that them getting involved would ruin there friendship. Now he has to offer her supply while she tries to find someone else to spend the rest of her life with.

These two were a little frustrating. Em was really just trying to find someone to take her mind off Nick. Nick couldn’t see what was right in front of him. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with Em. It just wasn’t clicking for him. Everyone around them saw what the two of them couldn’t.

This was such a good book. It was good to see the characters from the earlier books again. Friends to lovers is my favorite trope and this book did not disappoint. I hope there are more books in this series. I like the town and all the characters I have met.

[Natasha P · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Soulmate Project

Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever and NetGalley provided an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.

This small town romance started out with a strong premise, but the story didn’t live up to my expectations.

Some of my favorite things:
✅ Black main characters
✅ Small town setting
✅ Strong friendships and family connections


My not so favorite things?
➖ I wasn’t captivated by the MMC. There wasn’t enough on page to convince me that Nick was a charismatic heart throb who makes women swoon whenever he goes.
➖ The makeover was underwhelming. I absolutely love a good glow up storyline; this one just didn’t hit the mark for me.
➖ The third act conflict was a little cringey. I know l late in the story drama is a staple in this genre, but this one didn’t hit.

Overall, this was an OK read.


#TheSoulmateProject
#NetGalley

[Jillian Wentworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This love story is sweet. Best friends to lovers. Just a little bland, predictable and the third act conflict was eh.
I do like the main character, Em was great , Nick never behaved like he was described so I couldn’t get a good grasp on his character.



Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like getting over the man of your dreams by...planning your soulmate project!!

I liked Em so much. She is such a great character, filled with lots of dichotomies. She is bold but shy. Fierce but kind. Prepared but kind of a mess. She's just the kind of person I'd love to be best friends with!! Nick, on the other hand, I wanted to yell at him for most of the book lol. But he is also sweet and scared. This was a great read!

[Brina B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been a true delight for me. I loved this story and although friends to lovers can be annoying sometimes, I ate this one UP. There were come cringey moments, but I continued to eat this right on up. I hope we get another book in the series.

[Rebecca Donlan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fluffy, quick beach or single afternoon read. Repetitive and the angst felt contrived.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon.

[Viviana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a NetGalley widget for this book today.
This was yet another lovely read in this series. These two characters finally got their well-deserved HEA. I enjoyed revisting this world. This author never disappoints.

[Kristen Cook - A Book Ninja · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had not read any of Reese Ryan's previous works so I didn't know what to expect. I really don't know why this book felt off to me. I have tried to pinpoint the reason. The writing style is fine. The story was okay. I guess it lacked anything special to set it apart from the thousands of other romance books out there.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series in Holly Grove Island thoroughly! While it was some time ago I read the first books (I read 1&2 on the same day, when book 2 released), I had some difficulties remembering the previous characters. It came back quickly enough, though.

Em (Emerie) and Nick are BFFs, but she’s always been in love with him… she realized it was romantic love after they took a trip together about 5 years before. He’s the island “good time guy” and he definitely gets around, with locals and tourists alike, and has never looked at tomboy, sporty Em that way (she’s his bro!). On NYE, she lets her friends talk her into telling him, but of course, he’s not on the same page.

Devastated, as she knew she would be, she forms The Soulmate Project - her multi-step plan to find her soulmate by that time next year. She involves all her friends and family in her decision and her plans, signs up for the dating sites, and makes a bunch of life changes. Nick, who never noticed her in that way, suddenly starts to feel the jealousy as she begins making connections with the various guys she starts seeing… but what if he gave in to those new feelings and things went wrong? He doesn’t want to cross that line.

A very cute read and it was nice to revisit Holly Grove Island and the previous characters. I enjoyed it and the clueless best friends aspect. Definitely an easy read (not too angsty), and Ryan’s usual fantastic writing. If you’ve read her books before, you’ll know that this is going to be a great time. I do suggest reading the first two, but you could definitely read as a standalone (it’s good to have the background, but there’s not enough mention of or appearance by the previous characters to feel lost without them).

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an early copy. This is my honest opinion.

[Angie Miale · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a well written book with good storytelling and believable dialogue. I found it to be an extremely readable romance book. I like the small town island setting.

I really disliked the actual pairing, I did not like the male main character, Nick. I thought he was arrogant and entitled. I think Emerie can do SO much better than him. I hate how he depended on her throughout their lives to do the emotional labor of a girlfriend or partner, while not acknowledging her as such. She was such a great friend to him, supporting him and being available, even going to see his action movie franchise although she lost interest. He is actually kind of mean to her sometimes, teasing her about eating too many pancakes, teasing her about her singing voice. A lot of red flags to me.

Typically friends-to-lovers is my favorite trope in all of the romantic genre, but I hate how Nick took advantage of Emerie. He only became interested in her out of jealousy when she decided to do a "soulmate project" to find and commit to her soulmate. This is such toxic masculinity to me. And she had a makeover and now, all of a sudden, he notices her and is into her? This means he was into her all along but expected her to stay single and available to him emotionally, without him having to do any of the work or responsibility of a partnership.

I was engaged in reading, all the way to the end, but it is a difficult position to be in to be rooting for Emerie to cut him off.

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever publishing for the ARC. Book to be published October 8, 2024.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Summary: An almost never to forever romance

My Review: The Soulmate Project by Reese Ryan is book #3 in the Holly Grove Island series.

About the Book: Best friends since childhood, Emerie Roberts and Nicholas Washington are at odds where matters of the heart are concerned. When one tries to shoot a shot, it is sadly rejected. Crushed beyond belief, a plan is put into place to secure a happily ever after love story.

My Favorite Scenes (coded, so as to avoid spoilers):

- The Turning Point
- Sway with Me
- This Kiss
- The Save
- New York, Where Dreams Are Made a Reality
- Yes!

My Final Say: I genuinely liked this story. It was simple and straightforward. It had the classic messages of: a missed opportunity, timing being off, having your cake and eating it too, seeing what's most important when it's no longer right in front of you, etc. It was all of that, in addition to the strong family/friend ties that made this book endearing.

Other: I think I would like to visit Holly Grove Island again.

* This would be fantastic as an audiobook. I hope that it gets the works.

Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 💛💬
Series: Yes
Special Note: This would be a good book club read. There are so many things that could be discussed.

Thank you to the author, to the publisher (Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever), and to NetGalley for granting access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have voluntarily shared are my own. I appreciate the opportunity to read a digital ARC from this author.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Soulmate Project is the third book in the Holly Grove Island series. I have read the other books in the series, but if you haven't, there is enough in this one to pick up on what happened in the first two books.

Emerie and Nick have been best friends for over 2o years and Emerie finally works up the nerve to tell him that she cares for him as more than a friend. Nick doesn't feel the same way and wants to make sure they protect their friendship, which is so important to both of them.

Following their conversation, Emerie announces that she is going to find herself a soulmate. Her friends jump into action and support her new endeavor in whatever ways they can. When Nick learns about Emerie's new project, he struggles with it and it doesn't take long for him to start blurring the lines between friendship and more.

While this was a well written story, I didn't feel the connection between Emerie and Nick that I would have expected. I think they ended up getting involved for the wrong reasons and that made it very difficult for me to read and to enjoy. I also didn't love the conflict that happened towards the end of the book as well. I wish I had enjoyed this more than I did, but I've enjoyed this author's work, so I will give her next title a read.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed revisiting Holly Grove Island. This time we get up close and personal with Emerie and Nick. These two have been best friend and grew up together and actually have feelings for each other. They have taken vacations together and are always at each other homes along with family and friends. Everyone sees that they are made for each other. The last vacation that the two took together was when Emerie came to the realization that she was in love with her best friend Nick. At the New Years event Em decides to make her feelings known to Nick only to have Nick reject her. After the rejection Em was a bit upset but she got over it. Nick was the one who had a problem with it because he realized he also had feelings for Em. Em comes up her seven-step soulmate project. Everyone rallies around Em as she vows to find her soulmate within one year. She gets support from family and friends, a makeover, new wardrobe and joins a dating app with the intent of finding her soulmate who just so happens to be her best friend Nick. Nick has to come to senses and come to the realization that he and Em are the perfect soulmates. All in all, I enjoyed this final addition to the Holly Grove Island. Can’t wall to see what Reese has in store for her readers enjoyment next. Hopes it another awesome series.

I received an ARC via NetGalley and Forever Grand Central Publishing and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[lianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

[arc review]

this was an easy and cute read. i didn’t particularly connect with the characters and there are quite a few in this book but i connected enough to finish the book.

on new year’s eve, emerie confesses to her life long best friend, nick, that she’s in love with him and nick being emotionally confused, suggests that he doesn’t share those same feelings and that they remain friends instead. em decides to embark on a plan to find her soulmate and calls it “the soulmate project” because she’s ready to settle down. she thought it would be with nick but it’s not so moving on it was. but as she starts this project, nick gets progressively more and more jealous because he actually does reciprocate those feelings, he’s just afraid of losing her completely and would rather not risk that.

there’s a bit of miscommunication between the two of them at one point in this book but it gets resolved after they’ve had some time apart to think. it didn’t get blown out of proportion, which i appreciated. nick and em have a solid friend group and they’re all very supportive of each other. they have a lot of love around them within their friends.

[Mallory Moureau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Reese Ryan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is book #3 in the series but I didn’t read the first two. I was able to catch on quickly of the previous couples stories and didn’t feel that I was missing anything from this story by not reading the first two.

This is a story about Emerie and Nick. They have been best friends for over 20years and Em finally confesses that she likes him more than a friend. Nick claims he doesn’t see her that way and wants to protect their friendship.

The next day, Em surprises everyone in her life by announcing she’s on the hunt for a soulmate. Her friends rally around her in support - makeover, spa day, dating apps, business rebrand, etc Nick is struggling to support this project and instead starts to blur lines.

Overall this was a cute story but it was very predictable and felt very unnatural and “after school special” in their conversations. Part of it may have been that it was told in third person and I feel that often that’s more difficult for me to connect with characters. Either way, quick and easy read but not a ton of connection for me and the story.

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick and Em have been best friends since they were 12 years old. About 5 years ago on a trip to Mexico, Em realized her feelings . expanded to mire than friends. She battles the feelings and squelched her urges about moving beyond friendship until the fateful New Year's Eve when she professes her love for Nick. He's shocked at her announcement and even though he's battling the same feelings, he tells her friendship is all he wants.

She sets out, with the help of her best friend Kassie, her cousin, and of course her bestie Nicky to launch the "soulmate project". But as expected, Nick is overwhelmed with emotion. One thing leads to another and actions can't be undone. Will Nick profess his true feelings and they give love a chance or does Em proceed with the dating apps to find her soulmate? You're going to enjoy reading this one to find out.

It is part of a series but can be read as a standalone story. Although I received a free ARC ebook from Net galley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions expressed in the review are MT honest feedback.

[Diane McConnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick had to finally admit that he was in love with Emerie!

Emerie Roberts had finally decided to tell her best friend Nicholas (Nick) Washington that she was love with him but he didn’t have the same feelings for her. So with the help of her friends she decided to work on herself with a Soulmate Project to try and find love.

Nick wanted to keep Emerie as a friend but he had a hard time after finding out about her Soulmate Project and her trying to date and he didn’t think anybody was good enough for her. But Nick had to finally admit that he was in love with Emerie even though she was working on her Soulmate Project.

The Soulmate Project has some good friends to almost enemies to lovers feel when Nick finally realized that he was in love with Emerie!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Soulmate Project is the story of Em and Nick who are the closest of friends. Em gathers her courage and shares her romantic feelings for Nick who is frightened to ruin their relationship and so Em sets about pursuing the life she wants which includes a soulmate or life partner.

You know where the story is going AND the journey is a delightful one because the author makes Em's journey about more than a man. Her journey is about building the life she wants and so she changes a lot in the process.

Nick was often frustrating but the author does a good job of helping the reader understand why Nick is acting the way he acts.

I read this book in one day at the beach and truly enjoyed the journey. Because of the additional depth of Em's journey, I'm rounding up from 4 stars to 5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of The Soulmate Project, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The Soulmate Project is available now.

[erin (readingwithremy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished The Soulmate Project and enjoyed being back on Holly Grove with these sweet romances.

I'm a friends to lovers fans and Emerie takes the leap to share that she's in love with her long time best friend Nick. Nick is surprised and while he has deep feelings for Em, he's afraid of losing his best friend so tells her he doesn't feel the same way. Em decides it's time to get serious about finding a soulmate and rallies her girlfriends to help her with her plan.

This is a sweet small romance. I really liked Em's friends and family! I was glad Nick finally realized that their friendship could transform into more. I really needed this sweet romance this week and I'm glad to see the past characters in this year series.

Thanks to Forever for my copy. The Soulmate Project came out Tuesday - October 8th.
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[Holly McRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Although I had not read the first two books in the series, I found it easy to follow and engage with the story. The dual point of view was an excellent choice, as it allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of both characters and their perspectives.

In one of the chapters, there’s a reference to the movie Brown Sugar. It piqued my interest, so I actually took a break from reading to watch it—and I’m glad I did! It was a charming rom-com that perfectly complemented the book’s themes. Additionally, I paused to listen to Dua Lipa’s “Don’t Start Now,” which was a fun touch and really added to the mood.

Overall, I found this to be a highly enjoyable read and would definitely recommend it to others.

[M Soh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing this book, with my honest review below.

The Soulmate Project absolutely accomplished my goal for it, which was to whisk me away to a charming beach setting. I’m glad for that because the story fell a little flat for me. I like the idea of two friends finding themselves in uncharted territory with one, Emerie, wanting more and the other, Nick, not. But this book didn’t hook me in on Nick being the enticing catch Emerie made him out to be and the whole plot played out a bit contrived. Still a very sweet story and romance, but it had so much more potential that was easily within reach (for me, anyway).

[Jessica Wilczynski · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Forever(Grand Central Publishing) for an advanced copy of The Soulmate Project.

Emerie is in love with her best friend Nick and she finally works up the nerve to tell him on for him to reject her. She decides she is not going to sit around and wait any longer so she comes up with a plan to find her soulmate. She changes up her look, gets on dating apps, and puts herself out there more to find her soulmate. Nick offers to help her but he starts to realize he is in love with Emerie-can he tell her before it is too late?

This story was very predictable and my least favorite trope is miscommunication and there was a lot of that in this book.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tired of waiting for her best friend Nick to reciprocate her feelings, Emerie devises a “Soulmate Project” to find love within a year. Nick, meanwhile, must confront his own feelings for Emerie before her plan drives them apart.

I loved this small-town friends-to-lovers romance. I appreciated Em’s open communication with Nick and also his struggles (due to past experiences) to avoid risking their friendship. The book has such a warm feeling about it that you can’t avoid getting drawn in. The characters are likable and relatable throughout.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Kwana Swain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was glad to go back to Holly Grove Island and visit with old friends, but we finally get to the romance that has been brewing since book 1. Emerie Roberts and Nick Washington, best friends since childhood and Soulmates whom a scared to mess it up. I like Emerie bravery to put it all on the line for love and my heart went out to Nick because he was afraid of not just loosing Em, but all of his friends. I especially love Kassie, the best ride or die any girl can ask for. Love and Friendship can concord it all.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emerie está enamorada del mujeriego de su mejor amigo,decide decirle sus sentimientos y cuando él le dice que sólo la ve como amiga decide volverse proactiva y buscar el amor.

Nick esta atraído por Em, pero tuvo 2 relaciones con amigas que salieron mal y no quiere que su amistad con ella termine.

Falto que sufriera más Nick, sufrió, pero no lo suficiente.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Stas · Rating 2 out of 5]

nothing happened 😭 i kept waiting for angst and drama and like there was slight drama but nothing even remotely close to how I usually like my second chance romance. the dialogue felt a little stiff and over worded a few times and the descriptions for some of the characters were late so I couldn't picture them clearly for a bit. I flew through it so fast also the spice was not spicing 3 it was cute but not for me and my taste. nothing egregiously evil or horrible writing errors.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emerie Roberts has been in love with her best friend Nick Washington for years. His rejection of her on New Year's Eve got her thinking for her future. In response Em started The Soulmate Project. I loved the makeover her friends did for her to help Em in her quest to find her soulmate. This was a great story. Many people got involved to help Em find her Soulmate.