Almost Proposal

by Neelam Dabas

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2026

Reviews

[Mindy Mather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heartfelt Romance That Was Hard to Put Down

I enjoyed this book very much and found it incredibly hard to put down. From the moment Aarav and Meera's story began to unfold, I was completely invested in their journey and couldn't wait to see if they would finally get the second chance they deserved.
The emotional depth of the story is one of its greatest strengths. Both Aarav and Meera have experienced heartbreak and loss, and those experiences shape the people they have become. Their reunion feels authentic, with old emotions resurfacing alongside the hope of a new beginning.
I especially loved the second chance romance aspect. The history between the characters gives every interaction extra meaning, and it was easy to root for them as they worked through misunderstandings, grief, and the passage of time. Their chemistry never faded, making their relationship feel believable and heartfelt.
The family bookstore provides a warm and comforting backdrop to the story, balancing the emotional moments with a cozy atmosphere. Themes of healing, forgiveness, and finding the courage to love again are woven beautifully throughout the novel.
The pacing kept me turning the pages, and I found myself wanting to know what would happen next. Every chapter pulled me further into the story, making it difficult to set the book aside.
Overall, this is a touching and emotional romance that left me smiling by the end. If you enjoy second chance love stories with memorable characters and plenty of heart, this is definitely one worth reading.

[JM Saner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming, heartwarming authentically Indian love story, the Almost Proposal by Neelam Dabas is a quaint, quiet romance set in Delhi, India. It is a compelling love story about an aunt's devotion to her niece, Meera, and to her beloved Poetry and Prose Bookstore; Meera's love for her Aunt Seema Khanna, the bookstore, and the almost-boyfriend from her youth, Aarav; and Aarav's enduring love for Meera. At the beginning of the book, Meera inherits the bookstore from her aunt, and Aarav comes to pay his respects and reconnect with her. He soon discovers that he is still, and always has been, in love with Meera. Five years have passed since they last saw or spoke to one another, and many things were left unresolved between them. Now they must discover whether they can build a new relationship based on the people they have become.
Sweetly and gently, Dabas reveals their story through an omniscient narrative told from both Aarav's and Meera's points of view, while also serving as an outside observer who watches them carefully navigate the pain of their shared past. A charming, heartwarming love story that is well crafted and deeply satisfying. Dabas writes using authentic Indian customs, places, aromas, sounds, beliefs, and culture woven naturally throughout the story. This rich blend of authenticity is one of her greatest strengths as a writer, resonating deeply with the reader and creating a unique and memorable reading experience.

[Altravgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heartfelt second chance romance about love, loss, and timing. Meera and Aarav’s story was emotional because so much of what happened between them came from missed chances and misunderstandings. I liked how their relationship started in her grandmother’s bookstore, surrounded by tea, books, and quiet conversations. It made their connection feel real and sweet.

The quote, “Because I couldn't let go of something that had once meant everything,” really sums up Aarav’s feelings. Even after five years, he never fully moved on from Meera. When he returns after her grandmother’s death, the story becomes about two people finally being honest with each other and facing the pain from the past.

This was a simple but touching romance about getting a second chance with the person you never stopped loving.

[Reina Everhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected a sweet second-chance romance, and that’s exactly what I got… just with a lot more heart than I expected. This is a slow burn in the truest sense, focused on grief, healing, forgiveness, and finding your way back to the people who once felt like home. Meera and Aarav had such a quiet chemistry, and I rlly loved how the story let the little moments do the heavy lifting instead of relying on big drama. It was a bit slower than what I normally reach for, but the writing was beautiful and emotional, and by the end I was rooting for them so hard. Def a cozy, heartfelt read if that’s your vibe. 4⭐️

“That’s just information.”
“It felt like an invitation.”
“About us thinking we were subtle.”
“We weren’t?”
“Not even a little.”

[Brad Stones · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Heartwarming, Soul-Stirring Second-Chance Masterpiece!
"Emotional, Tender, and Powerfully Romantic!"
"Almost Proposal" is a beautifully written, slow-burn second-chance romance that will tug at every single heartstring! Set against the cozy, nostalgic backdrop of a family bookstore in Delhi, the story follows Aarav and Meera as unfinished promises and long-buried feelings resurface after five years apart. Exploring deep themes of grief, healing, and the courage to trust love again, this heartfelt novel captures the tender ache of lost time and the timeless power of true love. A total must-read for romance lovers! 📚💍❤️✨

[Chelsea Kong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second opportunity at romance

A well written novel about Aarav Sharma and Meera Khanna. He unexpectedly learns news regarding the family bookstore that he used to visit 5 years ago, which Meera's grandma owned and operated when she was live. Now, Meera is managing the store on her own. This novel is about second opportunities for romance, opportunities, and more. Aarav and Meera find themselves reconnecting though the relationship has wounds they open up and work with each other. The relationship takes time to rebuild, but it has a happy ending.

[Koula Hadjitooulou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Proposal is a wonderfully crafted second-chance romance where the main protagonists, Meera and Aarav, are given a second chance at love.
Neelam Dabas portrays the characters in such an evocative way; their old wounds and buried emotions, all blended together in the present time, where life presents them with a second chance. She weaves the story in such a dazzling manner that you will struggle to set the book aside. Almost Proposal has all the elements to steal your heart. It is a great love story!

[ReadingIsFun · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I like about this author's stories is the classic, clean, emotional Harlequin feel. After 5 years, Aarav and Meera met again, and I melted a little.
I hope the great director Mira Nair, who directed Monsoon Wedding, will pick this story up and make a movie out of this book.
All the things I read in the book: Indian culture, customs, scents... everything. I want to see it, imagine myself there, and swoon. I am not lying... while reading this book, I made vegetarian korma and onion bhaji, bought gulab jamun, listened to the soundtrack of Monsoon Wedding, and had an amazing time!

[Eve Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet second chance, second opportunity enjoyable romance with plenty of chemistry, traumas, deep wounds, misunderstandings, healing, and so many emotional moments along the way. I liked watching the relationship develop and found myself rooting for the characters. It’s a very slow burn, little slower in some parts. It was a sweet and entertaining read that kept me engaged until the end.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love stories that have sweetness, romance, and is spice free. Dabas does this very well. I like that we slowly get Meera's whole story. It is revealed why she never got the first proposal, why she married a man that turned out to be terrible, why she gets another shot at love...and in perfect pacing. The bookstore setting is my favorite and really shows her trying to live a comfy happy life. Really this had depth, was an easy read, and I enjoyed it.

[Tom Leverett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for those who like to study the micro-relationship: the small things, the things one says and doesn't say, the small expressions that show so much to people who watch carefully. They both have a story, and it comes out. The bookstore in Delhi is charming and well-described. It makes me want to go there, just to meet them.

[Sugar Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and heartfelt second-chance romance. I loved the cozy bookstore setting and watching Meera and Aarav slowly work through their past and find their way back to each other. It’s an emotional, gentle read about healing, forgiveness, and getting another chance at love. Definitely recommend!

[R.J. Greyta · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely written book

I really enjoyed this book by dabas, I guessed from the title almost proposal so it’s not one of the books your really don’t know what to expect but it was a fantastic read and kept me reading.

[Ryan Osbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happily surprised!

I was suggested this by a "girl friend" I wasnt sure if as a guy I would like it due to cover. I was wrong. The story was amazingly indepth and I found my self in love with the characters. Super vivid and engrossing, would definitely recommend! ^.^

[SA · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written second chance romance. I loved Aarav's character the most.. well thought of scenarios. Quite relatable and easy to understand language made it a perfect read. Well done girl.

[Ruth Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really easy to get into this story and feel with the characters, really enjoyed reading this.

[Daniel Still · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really sweet little romance about a the rekindling of a relationship after five years apart. It’s the quiet moments that are so well written. Really enjoyed the quality of the writing.

[Sara Sankuer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching story

This was a wonderfully written, emotional, touching love story. I was hooked from the beginning. Definitely had tears at times. I would absolutely recommend this if you enjoy beautiful love stories.