A Work in Progress

by K.A. Ross

Following the death of his once-estranged sister, Elise, Daniel is burdened with guilt and haunted by all that was left unsaid between them. But when he finds himself in possession of Elise’s unfinished manuscripts, he sees an opportunity to “write” his he’ll ensure that her dream of publishing her stories is fulfilled. Nellie, a compassionate freelance editor with her own story of overcoming grief, agrees to help Daniel in what he hopes will be a simple plan to bring Elise’s dream to life.

But even as his collaboration with Nellie develops into unexpected romance, Daniel learns the healing of the heart never follows a simple plan. He is more bruised by grief than he knows, especially when his sister’s seemingly lighthearted drafts reveal hidden truths he may not be ready to face and Elise’s ex-husband, Edward, suspiciously inserts himself back into Daniel’s life. Torn between the past and the future, Daniel will need Nellie’s help if he hopes to truly live the next chapter of his own life.

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance, Contemporary

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 11, 2025

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I was not prepared for all the emotions I would feel in this book. This is a debut novel that you absolutely must read.

Daniel is going through the motions. A shell of his former self after the loss of his sister. He’s on a mission to fulfill his sister’s dream of being published.

Nellie is the editor who has been enlisted to help Daniel make this dream a reality. Nellie does so much more than that. She sees the grief that Daniel is drowning in and slowly pulls him to the surface.

This unique story is told solely from Daniel’s point of view. (Which I loved.) Daniel’s grief and guilt is relatable and so raw. Nellie jumps in with her quirky antics bringing light and hope into the story even as she continues to deal with her own grief.

Throw in super supportive friends and some plot twists to keep you guessing, and you have a book that you will immediately want to read again and not stop talking about.

I’m still processing this book. It is such a beautiful story of loss, forgiveness, and redemption. I could go on and on about this book, but you will want to read it for yourself. It’s that good!

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Grief hits everyone differently. The trick is to give everyone, and yourself, the grace and space to move on."

I went into this story with just a general idea of what it was about, but I was not expecting so much depth and emotion.

It’s a beautifully crafted story of two people who deal with grief, healing, hope, forgiveness, and redemption.

What it’s about:
Daniel is haunted by the death of his estranged sister, Elise. He finds her unfinished manuscripts and decides to publish them to help him “write” his wrongs with Elise.

Nellie, a freelance editor with her own experience of overcoming grief, agrees to help Daniel. As they work together, a sweet romance blossoms between them, and Daniel uncovers hidden truths about his sister, and must finally face his own grief.

You can expect:
Single POV from MMC
Slow burn romance
Found family
Supportive friends
Friends to lovers
Second chance romance
Nods to romance genre

A Work In Progress is unique, insightful, and easily relatable for anyone who has struggled with the different aspects of grief. There were several moments that definitely resonated with me, and made this a rewarding read.

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

[McKenna Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to @authorkayross and @covenantcommunications for the #gifted book.

K.A. Ross delivers a powerful and emotional romance debut with A Work in Progress, a contemporary romance that delves deep into grief, healing, and the unexpected ways love finds us again.

At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was quickly drawn into the story. Told entirely from the male main character’s perspective, this book offers a refreshing take on romance. Seeing his struggles, mistakes, and moments of growth made his journey feel raw and real. It’s not often we get such an intimate look into a man’s heart in romance, and it truly hit differently.

This isn’t just a love story—it’s about learning to live with loss, navigating unconventional family dynamics, and discovering that healing is never a straight path. The grumpy-sunshine dynamic adds warmth and lightness to the slow-burn romance, making every moment earned and deeply felt.

Beautifully written and emotionally resonant, A Work in Progress is a stunning debut that lingers long after the final page. If you love contemporary romance with depth, heart, and characters who feel real, this one is a must-read.

[Cherilyn (Cherwhatyouread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was charming in the fact that it was entirely from the MMCs POV.

I loved what Daniel discovered in his sister’s books. I loved the process of Nellie and Daniel working together.

I enjoyed Nellie and her drive to move forward in life. Nellie narrating situations was hilarious.

I liked how she encouraged Daniel to live again.
How she was able to reach him in a way that others couldn’t. I loved how she helped him reconnect with his friends from before his sister died.

FAVORITE QUOTE
“Just know I’m here because I want to be. And I want you to be. Didn’t know if I was coming on too strong before. All the standing and sitting so close, initiating physical contact with you...” My mind blanked a white screen, then flipped back at lightning speed to review the past several weeks. Nellie was right. Especially the night Edward had shown up at Elise’s house. Playing ball, always bumping into me, crouching behind the van, our legs touching under the table... Nellie reached over and gently lifted my chin to close my mouth. “How—how was I so oblivious?”

“It’s not about connecting, identifying, or sympathizing. Either the story is good, or it is not.”
“Oh, you are so wrong,” Nellie said. “A story doesn’t have to be perfect to be loved.”

Normally, I wouldn’t attempt something like this... then again, was that true? Before our fight, Elise and I used to pull stunts like this all the time. Even a few on Edward, who, to his credit, tolerated them. That must be why there was an air of familiarity in my spine shoring up Plan Romantic Stupidity. I didn’t just want to show Nellie I was willing to do something stupid and fun for her, I wanted to be that person again for me too.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Tiffany (Work Kids N Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Guess I do have some evidence that you might be good,” Nellie said as we crossed the street.

I raised my eyebrows.

“Basketball has a grand tradition of smack talk, which is basically bad prose. And you? You’re really good at bad prose, which means you get to practice a lot.”

I am one who doesn’t read book blurbs before picking up a book- it’s way more fun to be surprised. And this book was such a delightfully unexpected surprise!

A moment of honesty: I knew that authors often use the term “work in progress” for their current book project(s), but I hadn’t realized that working on a developing a book would be such a large part of the story.

Nellie is charming, spunky, and with the right amount of coloring outside the lines. She had me smiling like a fool and her narrating is my absolute favorite!

Daniel is endearing. His willingness to dip a toe in the water and be playful in public settings is adorable. I also really loved that we meet him while he is in a rough patch and we get to watch as he learns to live again!

Read this book if you like:
✍🏼 Taking Chances
✍🏼 Basketball
✍🏼 Sweat Pants
✍🏼 WIPs
✍🏼 Writing Clichés
✍🏼 Sea Glass Green Eyes
✍🏼 Airport Proposals
✍🏼 Large Families
✍🏼 Getting Rides
✍🏼 Self Narrating

Content: death of a loved one, processing grief, anxiety attacks, romance- kisses only.

I received a complimentary copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Why, oh why, was I doing this?
For Elise.”

An all male point of view was a twist I wasn’t expecting with this book, but it was an interesting way to tell this story. Daniel is driven to publish his deceased sister’s books and has no idea how to go about it until he meets freelance editor Nellie.

Their individual quests to overcome grief and the way their paths intersect is heartwarming and assists in giving this a multi-dimensional and deeper feel to the story, which I appreciated. It was worthwhile to observe their routes to peace and the slight detour to romance is a bonus, as is mending past relationships. Although a very slow burn, the bumps and twists only serve to develop and complete their whole characters and this story would be nothing without this emotional and healing adventure–I enjoyed it!

Content: off page death/grief; very mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*

[The Swoony Awards]

This book has been nominated for a 2025 Swoony Award, to vote for it click here: Swoony Awards.

[Angela (justwant_2read) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a deep, emotional, and beautiful story. I had heard a little bit about it, but I really wasn’t ready for all the emotions. It was such a powerful story full of heartbreak, grief, forgiveness, self-love, letting go, and finding love. I absolutely adored this book. I found myself not wanting to quit because I was so drawn in.

This book is completely read in a male POV, which I admit when I first heard about made me hesitant. But I actually found myself really enjoying it, and not missing a female POV. This was his story, and it was perfect.

His journey to find peace after his sister dies is so beautiful. He is grieving not only her loss, but lost moments between them before her death. But as he allows people to step into his life again, he is able to find ways to start the path to healing.

The romance was also perfectly woven in. They both were able to find love and healing through each other. The light moments between them balanced out the heavy emotions felt throughout.

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

a work in PROGRESS
by: K.A. ROSS

-I give 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~Torn between the past and the future, help is needed to truly live the next chapter of life…

“Only risk what you can afford to lose.”

-a work in PROGRESS, is a story that completely surprised and moved me with the goodness, healing, forgiveness, trust, love, feelings, and depth that are found within ALL 180 pages. This unique story is told from the main character, Daniel’s POV, and his journey following the dearth of his once-estranged sister. He has been greatly burdened down with guilt and haunted by all that was left unsaid between them. Yet, when he finds himself trusted with his dear sister Elise’s unfinished manuscripts, he sees an opportunity to “write” his wrongs. Along this journey, Daniel will come to learn that, the healing of the heart never follows a simple plan! Oh how this story pulled on my heartstrings with Daniel, for his loss, pain and overwhelming grief.

“You’re not alone.”

Yet there is hope…This is where Nellie, an aspiring literary agent comes in to help, who has her own store of overcoming grief. Watching these two collaborate and seeing Daniel slowly begin to live again as Nellie brings such hope and laughter into his life was so heartwarming! I loved the connection that came as Daniel and Nellie could understood the pain the other one faced. I also enjoyed the humor, and swoony cute moments along the way. Most of all, I loved that this journey took Daniel and Nellie to the discovery that they both wanted something different, something more for their own story than one written already. What a story worth the moving read!📚❤️

“Flaws hadn’t ruined the story. Even with its flaws, it had endured them, triumphed over them. The final victory would not have felt earned without those flaws…the story didn’t have to be perfect to be loved.”

-Content: death(in past of loved ones), grief, drinking (side characters), one mild swear word, only kissing.

“You’re everything that’s my favorite.”

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“If you let the guilt go, you may have enough in you to manage the grief. To move on. To heal.

#allaboutthebestreads
#authorkayross
#aworkinprogress

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fabulous debut! A Work in Progress was such a heartwarming surprise. Told uniquely from the MMC’s POV, this book really captured my interest & heart. As Daniel journeys through grief, falling in love, reconciling the past, & finding forgiveness, I was right there with him.

After the loss of his sister & only remaining family member, Daniel finds himself struggling with how things were left between them. Wanting to find a way to make up for his estrangement with her, he seizes on the idea of fulfilling Elise’s dream of publishing her stories. As he works through the publishing process, he meets Nellie, a freelance editor who knows what it’s like to lose a loved one. As Nellie & Daniel embark on publishing Elise’s stories, they find unexpected obstacles, a shared understanding, healing, forgiveness, & love.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It was so fun reading exclusively from the male perspective. The humor, inner monologue, & struggling with misperceptions felt spot on, & I enjoyed being in Daniel’s head. His journey is so revealing as each interaction with Nellie & his estranged ex-brother-in-law brings new understanding & healing. I also loved Daniel’s friends who help & stand by him even when he prefers isolation. Reading Elise’s stories while Daniel is trying to figure out his own was the icing on the cake.

Nellie brings warmth, humor, compassion, & shared grief. I loved the way she describes situations out loud as if she’s narrating a book. She was so delightful & patient as she helps Daniel while struggling with her own loss. Their romance brought a touch of lightness, humor, & fun. I will forever love their basketball game & the airport scene.

Highly recommend! This is one unique story that tackles a difficult subject in a profoundly hopeful way. I was thoroughly impressed with this book & look forward to more by K.A. Ross. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author & publisher. All opinions are completely my own & voluntarily provided.

[Alicia (aliciasbooksanctuary) · Rating 4 out of 5]

OVERALL STAR RATING: 4/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5

This book absolutely took me by surprise on so many different levels. What a unique and beautiful work of fiction. For starters, this one is told in single POV – all from the MMC’s perspective. This entire story was like peeling back layers of an onion, causing you to tear up along the way. Any bookish soul is going to love the fact that this entire plot revolves around trying to get a story published. While there is SO much more depth than simply that, it’s fun to read through the inner workings of the publishing world.

Daniel is grieving the death of his sister, Elise. Their relationship ended on a sour note and the guilt he lives with is debilitating. He finds Elise’s unfinished manuscripts and decides that one way to heal the relationship he let crumble is to get her work published posthumously.

Nellie is the literary agent that Daniel gets connected with to bring Elise’s works of fiction to life. As a recent widow, Nellie is working through deep levels of grief of her own. Neither Daniel nor Nellie have done much “living” over the past couple of years but working together on this project sparks something within them both. They lean on each other during the ups and downs and a sincere friendship develops based on honesty, truth and a shared understanding of each other’s grief.

Daniel begins to realize there’s a hefty level of truth within the pages of his sister’s fiction – and when Elise’s ex-husband, Edward, tries actively involving himself in Daniel’s life, there’s simply a staggering number of emotions to be dealt with.

You’re going to love the mystery and intrigue of this story and watching Daniel and Nellie’s relationship progress will melt your heart. Their banter is so sweet and supportive and their little inside joke of “narrating” their every day will make you chuckle.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

*For more reviews and bookish content, but sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a really impressive and heartfelt book. It's the kind that has parts that will stick with you as they had such relatable and impactful emotions behind them. This is the third book I've read that was told entirely from the male main character's POV. It worked for this book and I can't imagine it not being in Daniel's perspective, though it may have had a different vibe had Nellie’s POV been included.
Daniel is grieving his sister who died of cancer and is facing his own regrets as, while they had been very close earlier in life, he wishes he had been there more for her before the end. It tackles grief in such a beautiful way and how that looks different for everyone and there's not just a timeframe or “one size fits all” answer for when someone will be healed or feel the hurt less.
Nellie was a beautiful addition to the story. I loved how she helped Daniel having experienced her own painful trauma and loss. The two both help one another cope and heal. Their romance was cute, though it was more of a backburner to the overall healing and journey Daniel was going through. I really liked the pacing of the story and the way time passed. Daniel's former brother-in-law was also a great addition to the cast and I like what he revealed and brought to the story.
I was impressed with the writing and the heart of this book. My only reason for not giving it five stars (which I went back and forth on) was simply some unmet expectations. I feel like this book would best be classified as "men's fiction" (can men's fiction be a thing like women's fiction? Because that is what this would be.) It had romance and that romance was good and one I cheered for, but I wouldn't necessarily call this a romance. It was a journey for Daniel and it was a good journey that made me feel things. I recommend it and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't go into this book "blind". I read the book blurb, so I knew what it was about, but the title's double meaning still surprised me. Having the entire book told from the main male character's POV was also a surprise. It was different but I really enjoyed it.

Daniel is burdened by guilt and regret following the death of his sister, Elise. He's determined to fulfill her dream of publishing her stories, which leads to his introduction to Nellie, a freelance editor who will help him go through Elise's manuscripts. Nellie is a ray of sunshine to Daniel's grumpiness.

I liked that Daniel and Nellie's relationship developed naturally as they spent quite a lot of time together working on Elise's stories. I loved Nellie's outlook, which surprised me as she was also grieving a major loss. It was that grief that helped her connect with Daniel and help him in a way his friends couldn't. Speaking of his friends, I really liked that they continued to invite him to things even though he kept coming up with excuses not to participate.

I love mysteries and suspense, so when Elise's ex-husband, Edward, suddenly appears on the scene, I was as suspicious as Daniel about why he was there. Edward's appearance and actions complicate Daniel's journey, making him confront the possibility of deeper secrets he didn't know about his sister.

This novel has quite a few light-hearted moments: Nellie's habit of narrating situations and the scene of them hiding behind the van made me smile. It also beautifully shows how healing is rarely a straightforward process and that moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting. I enjoyed this debut novel from K.A. Ross and look forward to more books from her.

I received a complimentary ebook. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

[Marilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

So unique and intriguing!

Daniel only wants one thing right now: to publish the stories his sister Elsie wrote before she passed away. He has no idea how to make that happen until he hires Nellie, an aspiring literary agent who comes up with a plan.

Daniel and Nellie are both weighed down with grief but as they work together to find a ghostwriter for Elsie’s stories, they realize they want a different ending for their story than the one they had written for themselves.

What you’ll love:
contemporary romance
single pov (from MMC)
forced proximity
literary lingo
men's fiction vibes
the basketball game
the “first” date
Elise’s stories
dancing
plot twists and turns
found family
healing and hope and forgiveness

It was so intriguing to read a romance written solely from the man’s pov. There were also quite a few twists and completely changed the direction I thought the story was headed - I love books that keep me on my toes!

My heart broke over and over for Nellie and especially Daniel, for their loss and their pain and overwhelming grief. Watching Daniel slowly begin to live again as Nellie brought hope and laughter into his life brought me to tears more than once. I loved all of their cute, flirty moments, all of Daniel’s inner monologue, and the times when they connected emotionally on a deeper level as they understood the pain the other faced.

This debut story was as delightful as it was unexpected and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

“You’re everything that’s my favorite.”

“You’ve seen my worst. Why doesn’t that bother you?”
“Because I’ve also seen your best.”

* Oh man, this is a train wreck, but in the best way possible 😂
* Aww I love how sweet and understanding she is
* He’s so awkward and I love him
* I freaking love Nellie
* Not the car reading his texts 😅
* These are actual tears coming from my eyes right now
* This airport scene is the best thing I’ve ever read 😂😂
* Awwwww 🫶

Okay wow! This story is just filled with so much heart and emotion. I didn’t really know what I was getting into when I started reading this, but it was so good!

First of all, I LOVE the communication. Daniel and Nellie are just so good at communicating! Obviously it’s not always perfect all the time, but it’s good!

Daniel has so much grief and guilt to work through, but I loved getting to see him find himself and find the happiness while he did that.

And Nellie was truly just so hilarious! I loved her. She has her own demons to deal with, but she’s such a bubbly and sunshiney person. And she was so good for Daniel.

It was so interesting to read a book entirely from the guys pov, and I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would!

I laughed and cried and loved the journey I got to go on with these characters.

“Grief hits everyone differently. The trick is to give everyone, and yourself, the grace and space to move on.”

“well when you love someone, you love all of them. You know? Not only the good. All of them.”

Thanks to the author and publisher for the ebook. All opinions are my own.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝑰𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘 𝒐𝒇 𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒇 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒕, 𝑺𝑯𝑬 𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆.

Daniel and Nellie are each mourning in their own way. Daniel, aching to honor his late sister and ease his loss, asks Nellie to help publish his sister’s stories. What he doesn’t anticipate is the wave of emotions that wash over him as he reads her private writings. Slowly, he feels closer to both his sister and Nellie, finding himself drawn to her warmth and joy. But Nellie is grieving too, and their shared pain makes everything uncertain.

Can two broken souls find healing together? Can Daniel let go of the guilt from his last fight with his sister? And is Nellie ready to move forward after losing her husband?

This story made me cry, but I loved every moment of it. It’s a beautiful friends-to-lovers tale with a grumpy-meets-sunshine twist. Every page is filled with so much heart, emotion, and depth, it stays with you long after you finish. Gosh, all the feels!

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅:
🖊️ Nellie’s evergrowing, supportive family
🖊️ Charlie, Daniel's loyal best friend
🖊️ Their growing feelings for each other
🖊️ Their basketball game/competitiveness
🖊️ His 3 (+) questions for her at the end
🖊️ How they opened up to one another
🖊️ Their playful pranks
🖊️The way they narrated those around them

𝑬𝒑𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝟒:𝟑𝟐

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Jenna Killpack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not at all what I was expecting, I thought it was going to be more romance from the cover but it was definitely heavy on the grief and guilt Daniel felt with a little side of romance along the way. I loved getting to have the male characters POV for a change as he worked through the grief of loosing his beloved sister and their argument he avoiding apologizing for before her imminent death.

I did struggle at the beginning not sure how much of that was just that it wasn’t what I was expecting or just how jumbled all his thoughts were.

I would have loved a little more of Nellie’s story but also I think that could have made the book even heavier.

Loved Nellie’s narration to deal with the awkward situations.
Loved the found family aspect
Loved how supportive Charlie was
Loved the relationship with Edward and how it developed
Loved how Daniel and Nellie were understanding and supportive of each other and their grieving

Depending on where you are in your journey of grief this book could be either very triggering or very healing so you know yourself best and take care of your own mental health

I think I cried all my makeup off during the third quarter of the book then the remaining chapters were full of his growth and putting things back together. It ended on a high note but this book was definitely a journey!

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story surprised me in so many ways. It is a story of grief and healing, written beautifully and completely from a male perspective. I honestly can be a wimp reader when it comes to heavier topics so the fact that I found this both moving and easy to read speaks so much to me about the care with which it is written.
🐇
Daniel’s character was so easy to empathize with, hurt with, and hope for. I loved Nellie- her wit and authenticity shone. I hope everyone has a friend like Charlie. And Edward was surprising in such wonderful ways.
🐇
I think this story taught me something about grief and healing; accepting and giving forgiveness; and treasuring the moments we are given- to be silly or adventurous or to cry together.
🐇
I am truly so thankful to have been given the opportunity to read this one. It will be one that stays with me, and I share with others.
🐇
Ephesians 4:32 was a beautiful thread throughout this story- “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
🐇
“Like Elise, and like me, the story didn’t have to be perfect to be loved.”
🐇

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Work in Progress surprised me; it was even better than I had hoped! I didn't expect to love it so much. This novel takes you on an emotional ride. You'll feel joy, sadness, curiosity, excitement, and empathy.

I loved seeing the story through Daniel's eyes. His sister, Elise, died from cancer, and grief now controls him. They had sadly drifted apart over the years. He vows to deal with his regrets by having her books published. Nellie, a freelance editor, helps Daniel achieve his goals. Despite her cheerful nature, she too knows heartache, having lost someone she loved.

The story unfolds like a careful dance on crushed glass. The journey through grief is challenging as many of us know. There are many highs and lows along the way. Daniel and Nellie slowly connect. Readers feel their pain and uncertainty as they learn to trust and love again. The side characters add a lot to the story. They give support, and advice while adding humor and at times, mayhem.

A Work in Progress is not a typical romance. It is real, raw, and satisfying. K.A. Ross's debut is a book you will love and remember.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had such a range of emotions with this story. I laughed, I cried, and I could definitely relate to both Nellie and Daniel with the grief each of them were experiencing. Bravo, Ms. Ross! She took the difficult subject of loss and brought hope and healing to us readers. This is a book that I easily gave it a 5 star rating and will recommend it to friends and family.

Things I loved:
found family
loyal friends
basketball
sea-green eyes
Late-Night Adventures
funny descriptions
tacky manuscripts
forgiveness
inspirational

Favorite Quotes:

“I collect families.”

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other —“ Ephesians 4:32a

“I just … think, well when you love someone, you love all of them. You know? Not only the good. All of them.”

“Grief hits everyone differently. The trick is to give everyone, and yourself, the grace and space to move on.”

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

[Amanda Kaye (More.Reading.Time.Please)]

ARC Review: A Work In Progress
Publication Date: February 11, 2025

What makes this story unique is the fact that it is written from the male main character’s perspective. Definitely not something you come across often in a romance novel. I also like the fact that the two love interests, Daniel and Nellie, are flawed characters working through layers of grief and anxiety due to past loss.

The beginning was a bit bumpy, but the story picks up the second half of the book. I enjoyed the ending and the character development of Daniel. I wish the novel had more time to explore Nellie’s backstory and family dynamics.

What to Expect:
☀️Grumpy vs Sunshine
😳Socially Awkward MC
💁🏻‍♂️Guy’s POV
📚Publishing Industry
💕Forced Proximity
😔Themes of Grief and Forgiveness

Thank you @authorkayross and @covenantcommunications for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

⚠️Content Warning-
•Spice Level: Simple Kisses
•Profanity: Mild (1 d-word)

Author: K.A. Ross
Genre: Contemporary Romance
224 Pages (No Audio Available 🎧)
Publication Date: February 11, 2025

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a great debut from KA Ross. I loved the premise of the story. Daniel is grieving the loss of his sister, Elise, and wants to get her books published. He meets Nellie, who suggests they find a ghostwriter who can finish up the books. Where the story goes from there was surprising and sweet and healing for both.

Nellie is a doll. I appreciated her positivity and kindness. Daniel has struggles and trauma from the past he’s working through. I appreciated how the author showed us those and then how he worked through them. Nellie also was dealing with things.

This book is told through Daniel’s perspective and I enjoyed that change. I read a lot of dual POV or just the FMC, so this was fun. There are some funny and very sweet moments, along with some serious. The expressive narration was especially fun. There was a character that surprised me and I love being surprised.

I’m excited to read another book from this author. I received an eARC and a paperback from the publisher. All views are my own.

[Kayla Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debut Novel and Unique Contemporary Romance. I was surprised by this read. This story was filled with learning the different circumstances others face and meeting them where they are. We all handle our grief or struggles differently. At times we place more on ourselves and don’t notice the good we do.

Daniel. Stricken with guilt and grief after the loss of his sister he aims to fulfill the dreams she had of being a published author. His journey to publishing her stories prompts him to truly see what his sister felt, and some things are hard to swallow. As he processes, he slowly sees the support system he has.

Nellie. Intrigued with Daniel’s goal she works to get his sister’s books published. It’s not easy and she immediately wants to comfort and support Daniel. Through her bright, fun, spontaneous personality Daniel starts to heal.

You’ll find:
🐇Grief and Healing
🐇People Watching and Narrating Interactions
🐇Grand Gestures
🐇Friendly Basketball Competition
🐇Realizing we are all, A Work In Progress

✨Favorite Quote:
“Turns out I’m a flawed hero.”

[Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club) · Rating 3 out of 5]

"A story doesn't have to be perfect to be loved."

A Work in Progress by K.A. Ross is an emotional and deeply moving story that will take you by surprise. It’s a novel about grief and healing, about the unexpected turns life takes, and about finding yourself again when you least expect it.

Told exclusively from the MMC's POV this is a unique and interesting take on the romance norm and if there is a genre for men's fiction I think that would be the perfect category for it. The story is layered with themes of redemption, second chances, and the power of storytelling itself. The side characters add great balance (and intrigue), and the plot delivers twists that keep you guessing!

If you enjoy contemporary romance, forced proximity, literary references, found family, healing, hope, forgiveness, redemption, I think you'd want to pick this one up!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Content: death of loved ones (off page), grief/anxiety/guilt, alcohol mentions, one swear, romance-kissing only.

[Dev G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how this tugged at my heart.

Daniel’s grief is raw and fresh. We get this story from his perspective which is so unique and lovely. He struggles to be around people, but he’s determined to have his late sister’s book finished and published.

Nellie is at a different stage in her grief but still deals with lasting issues. I loved how she slowly brought Daniel out of his shell. She’s fun and sweet and understanding.

“In moments when I let go, our senses of humor aligned, and I was myself again. It was freeing and invigorating.”

They both helped each other move forward, understanding that every few steps forward would bring a few steps backwards. The road through grief is bumpy and winding.

I loved the narration game. Nellie made Daniel laugh and smile and it was sweet to see.

A touching and emotional journey—navigating a new normal—shown with such care.

Thank you to K.A. Ross for the copy. All opinions are my own.

[Camille Dayton Fostering.literacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren’t many romances from a male point of view, but this one made me crave more! Im really loving this trend that is emerging.

That being said, A Work in Progress is a romance heavily centered in family ties and grief. The story is about Daniel, who just wants to honor his sister by publishing her novels. He hires an agent and is intrigued by her as they work together. The forced proximity of spending lots of time together is one of my favorite aspects! The novel highlights a lot of complicated and unconventional family relationships and how grief affects us as we mourn loved ones who have died. I loved the overall message that families support each other and that your grief can evolve and change over time.

The book is published by Covenant Communications, which means that you can read a romance without any explicit content. I love that I can depend on them to publish uplifting fiction without worrying about steamy romance. Thank you to the author and the publisher for the advance copy of this book. A review was not required.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Brief: Daniel is deep in grief after his sister died and wants to have her stories published. The woman he hires is forcing him to feel things. And he’s not ok with that. He’s just not ok. Period.

The Debrief: Wow. Since I read blind, everything about this book surprised me. The entire story is told from Daniel’s POV, and I liked that. There’s humor and lightness, but also the deep inner struggles of grief and despair. The author just tugged my heart open for Daniel and Nellie. And I adored Nellie! The entire last chapters need to be savored like dark chocolate. Completely unpredictable and enjoyable. Totally recommend!

The Rhyme: Daniel wants to get back in the game and the ball is in his court. Can he face his past and embrace a future without feeling like he’s coming up short?

I’m going to keep my eye on this new to me author!

[Laura Fincher · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A story doesn't have to be perfect to be loved."

Such a beautiful story of grief and finding love again. This was unlike anything I've read before. I can't remember the last time I read a book from the male POV but I really enjoyed this one. Kay didn't shy away from the soul-crushing aspect of grief. My heart ached in understanding when Daniel couldn't seem to leave the house or had trouble interacting with others. I remember when we miscarried our baby girl last summer, I would wander around our house with no real direction. I appreciated the raw emotions that Nellie and Daniel both displayed.

Even though the story dealt with heavy topics, there was a lot of joy and love on the pages. Nellie was sunshine in a bottle! This romance felt believable and healing at the same time.

4/5 Stars

*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Kassandra Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Work in Progress
This book is K.A. Ross first! And it’s the kind of book that sneaks up on you, tugs at your heartstrings, and refuses to let go! Told entirely from Daniel’s perspective, this emotional yet unexpectedly charming story follows a grieving brother determined to see his late sister’s stories published, and the spunky literary agent, Nellie, who refuses to let him fade into the background of his own life.
With plenty of bookish banter, forced proximity, and a few cute little surprises, this novel delivers on heart, humor, and most importantly healing.
Daniel’s journey of rediscovering life paired with Nellie’s gentle support, was inspirational and encouraging, and I’m excited to see what comes next from K.A. Ross!

[Savannah M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is special and unique! I really enjoyed the different POV with the story being told from MMC view.
The plot is full of depth and healing, with difficult topics being handled with care and kindness.
I loved the aspect of ghost writing and the playfulness this brought to the story, and I really want to read those books now!
The way both characters heal and help each other was so beautifully done and I loved every minute of this book!
I can’t wait to read more from this author and if you like stories full of heart, love, and healing then this is the book for you!

Thank you to the author for an arc copy. All thoughts are my own.