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Almost Functional
Not yet published
Expected 10 Sep 26If life had a customer service department, Nova would like to file a complaint.
At thirty, she’s still waiting for the successful-adult package everyone else seems to have received. Instead, she's got a stalled career, a messy dating life, and a New York apartment that feels one rent increase away from falling apart.
Then she meets Sayer, a thirty-two-year-old freshly single man who’s having his own existential crisis after realizing the life he planned isn’t the life he wants.
When he moves into her building, a clumsy collision throws them into each other’s lives in the most inconvenient way possible.
He’s rebuilding. She’s just trying to make it through the week.
Neither of them is fixed and they definitely aren’t perfect.
But together...
They’re almost functional.
At thirty, she’s still waiting for the successful-adult package everyone else seems to have received. Instead, she's got a stalled career, a messy dating life, and a New York apartment that feels one rent increase away from falling apart.
Then she meets Sayer, a thirty-two-year-old freshly single man who’s having his own existential crisis after realizing the life he planned isn’t the life he wants.
When he moves into her building, a clumsy collision throws them into each other’s lives in the most inconvenient way possible.
He’s rebuilding. She’s just trying to make it through the week.
Neither of them is fixed and they definitely aren’t perfect.
But together...
They’re almost functional.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 10, 2026
About the author
Elen Gait
4 books59 followersElen Gait is a contemporary fiction author who writes heartfelt stories of love, growth, and human connections. Her journey began in high school, crafting poems and humorous short stories that quickly sparked a lifelong passion for storytelling. When she’s not writing, Elen enjoys reading, listening to music, and getting lost in her favorite TV series.
Stay updated on her latest releases by visiting her website or following her on social:
Facebook | TikTok | Newsletter | Elen’s Circle of Beloved Readers!
Stay updated on her latest releases by visiting her website or following her on social:
Facebook | TikTok | Newsletter | Elen’s Circle of Beloved Readers!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 16, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Nova doesn't have bad luck, she has a restraining order from the universe.
Every day for her is like,”The universe glitched. Traffic tried to kill me. My thigh is still allergic to Saturdays.”
Meanwhile, Sayer is over here fresh out of a relationship, trying to heal in peace. The universe looked at that and said, "Cool. Here's a chaotic woman with caffeine and zero regard for personal space."
When coffee, a rug, and poor life choices send them crashing into each other, I was done for. It was cute, hilarious, and had me giggling the whole time.
If you like your romances with ridiculous banter, lovable chaos,  this one absolutely delivers. I ate it up like it was the last snack in the house.
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review
Nova doesn't have bad luck, she has a restraining order from the universe.
Every day for her is like,”The universe glitched. Traffic tried to kill me. My thigh is still allergic to Saturdays.”
Meanwhile, Sayer is over here fresh out of a relationship, trying to heal in peace. The universe looked at that and said, "Cool. Here's a chaotic woman with caffeine and zero regard for personal space."
When coffee, a rug, and poor life choices send them crashing into each other, I was done for. It was cute, hilarious, and had me giggling the whole time.
If you like your romances with ridiculous banter, lovable chaos,  this one absolutely delivers. I ate it up like it was the last snack in the house.
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review
Review of advance copy
ARC RECEIVED FROM BOOKSPROUT
Almost Functional is a lighthearted contemporary romance that combines humor, relatable everyday chaos, and a sweet romantic connection between its central characters.
Nova and Sayer were both enjoyable characters, and I particularly appreciated the natural development of their relationship. Their chemistry comes through well, while the story gives enough attention to their individual personalities and lives outside of the romance to make their connection feel grounded. The dialogue and humor also added plenty of personality to the story and kept the overall tone fun and easygoing.
The pacing worked well for me, I was very interested in seeing how the characters and their relationship would develop. The contemporary setting and everyday situations gave the story an approachable, feel-good quality.
This book falls outside my usual reading preferences, as I tend to gravitate toward darker and considerably spicier romances, so my rating is very much influenced by my personal taste rather than the quality of the writing or storytelling. Readers who enjoy sweet contemporary romance, strong character dynamics, humor, and a romance that focuses more on emotional connection than spice will likely find Almost Functional an enjoyable read.
Elen Gait has a distinctive and engaging writing style, and although this particular romance wasn’t quite my usual cup of tea, I would definitely be interested in seeing what she writes next.
Thank you to Booksprout for giving me the ARC opportunity to read and review.
Almost Functional is a lighthearted contemporary romance that combines humor, relatable everyday chaos, and a sweet romantic connection between its central characters.
Nova and Sayer were both enjoyable characters, and I particularly appreciated the natural development of their relationship. Their chemistry comes through well, while the story gives enough attention to their individual personalities and lives outside of the romance to make their connection feel grounded. The dialogue and humor also added plenty of personality to the story and kept the overall tone fun and easygoing.
The pacing worked well for me, I was very interested in seeing how the characters and their relationship would develop. The contemporary setting and everyday situations gave the story an approachable, feel-good quality.
This book falls outside my usual reading preferences, as I tend to gravitate toward darker and considerably spicier romances, so my rating is very much influenced by my personal taste rather than the quality of the writing or storytelling. Readers who enjoy sweet contemporary romance, strong character dynamics, humor, and a romance that focuses more on emotional connection than spice will likely find Almost Functional an enjoyable read.
Elen Gait has a distinctive and engaging writing style, and although this particular romance wasn’t quite my usual cup of tea, I would definitely be interested in seeing what she writes next.
Thank you to Booksprout for giving me the ARC opportunity to read and review.
Review of advance copy
Nova loses her job out of nowhere, while Sayer loses the life he thought he had all figured out. When Sayer moves into Nova’s building and they become neighbors, both of their lives slowly start finding their way back on track.
Even though the two of them have quite a lot in common, I found Sayer’s character more interesting than Nova’s. Maybe that’s why I found Sayer’s chapters a little easier to get through.
I really liked how much the book focuses on that whole “what am I doing with my life?” crisis that seems to hit around your 30s, and I thought Nova and Sayer’s experiences portrayed that really well. Their romance was super cute, although it did feel a little rushed at times. I also really enjoyed their friendship with Jake and Elise. They’re both such good friends and always seem to have the best advice.
The story felt a little slow for me at first, but once Nova and Sayer started interacting more, things definitely got more interesting. That said, there were still a few chapters where I found myself losing interest again, and the last four chapters felt particularly long. That’s where I struggled to stay fully engaged.
Overall, this wasn’t a story that completely blew me away, but it has some really nice moments and it’s still an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Even though the two of them have quite a lot in common, I found Sayer’s character more interesting than Nova’s. Maybe that’s why I found Sayer’s chapters a little easier to get through.
I really liked how much the book focuses on that whole “what am I doing with my life?” crisis that seems to hit around your 30s, and I thought Nova and Sayer’s experiences portrayed that really well. Their romance was super cute, although it did feel a little rushed at times. I also really enjoyed their friendship with Jake and Elise. They’re both such good friends and always seem to have the best advice.
The story felt a little slow for me at first, but once Nova and Sayer started interacting more, things definitely got more interesting. That said, there were still a few chapters where I found myself losing interest again, and the last four chapters felt particularly long. That’s where I struggled to stay fully engaged.
Overall, this wasn’t a story that completely blew me away, but it has some really nice moments and it’s still an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
If you love a good meet-cute, close-proximity and mild obstacles romance, this book is for you. The story follows next-door neighbours Nova and Sayer as they navigate through life in New York. After a couple accidental hallway meetings, they start dating each other, but with both of them having some secrets and they find themselves entangled in a sudden love triangle, things become more complicated.
I liked the romantic bits, such as the meet-cute and the pasta date, the 'love'-triangle element, the forced-proximity trope and the (descriptive) writing style. What I liked less was the second half of the book. About halfway, it felt like a natural ending to me, but it continued with a whirlwind of huge proclamations. It just was way too much in my opinion, which made the story extremely unrealistic and less enjoyable. There was also a case of romance convience, as the whole book only includes about four people, who become couples.
Four stars for the beginning, two stars for the end equals three stars overall.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked the romantic bits, such as the meet-cute and the pasta date, the 'love'-triangle element, the forced-proximity trope and the (descriptive) writing style. What I liked less was the second half of the book. About halfway, it felt like a natural ending to me, but it continued with a whirlwind of huge proclamations. It just was way too much in my opinion, which made the story extremely unrealistic and less enjoyable. There was also a case of romance convience, as the whole book only includes about four people, who become couples.
Four stars for the beginning, two stars for the end equals three stars overall.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
You’d think Nova’s day couldn’t get any worse: fired weeks ago, not getting anywhere in her job hunt, spilled coffee all over herself and her living room, and now she almost killed her cute new neighbour with her carpet slipping from her hands… And yet that’s the beginning of a new chapter, because her and Sayer instantly click, and though it takes a while for things to work through, well, work through they do, and in the best possible way.
“Almost Functional” is a sweet, cute romance, pretty clean (just a hint of spice) and enjoyable to read. While it was fun, though, I felt it lacked real emotional depth and it was quite rushed: neither the love story nor the friendships had much space to breathe and therefore the changes in circumstances were so quick at times that I felt some whiplash at how fast things changed. Still, it’s a fun, easy read if you’re looking for something relaxing, as a book to take on a weekend break or a short holiday.
“Almost Functional” is a sweet, cute romance, pretty clean (just a hint of spice) and enjoyable to read. While it was fun, though, I felt it lacked real emotional depth and it was quite rushed: neither the love story nor the friendships had much space to breathe and therefore the changes in circumstances were so quick at times that I felt some whiplash at how fast things changed. Still, it’s a fun, easy read if you’re looking for something relaxing, as a book to take on a weekend break or a short holiday.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
ARC Review*** Thanks to BookSirens, as always my opinions are my own so please take them with a grain of salt. Almost Functional was my first read by author and overall I enjoyed the story and would recommend when you’re looking for something with more romance than angst. It was an easy relationship, though the beginning started off choppy once these two were able to communicate they had a sweet, if not fast, connection. I will say the pacing kind of stalled in the last quarter of the book, our couple seemed to have resolved so much I couldn’t think what the last part would be… and it really, unfortunately didn't wow me as much as I’d hoped. Kind of a ho hum compared to the first 3 quarters. But I will definitely keep watch on this author going forward.
July 19, 2026
This was so cute! A little slow to get started but once I got rolling I didn’t want to stop
They met in the most unique way and clicked immediately. They had their first kiss before their first date but that first date lasted all night almost!
These two were seriously adorable together! She’s a little chaotic and he’s super steady.
I loved the introduction of the love triangle and watched that get sorted.
This book is heavy on the steam and light on the spice but the story stood out without the descriptions of all the bedroom activities but I adored how the conversation between these two happened about why she was hesitant 🥰
They met in the most unique way and clicked immediately. They had their first kiss before their first date but that first date lasted all night almost!
These two were seriously adorable together! She’s a little chaotic and he’s super steady.
I loved the introduction of the love triangle and watched that get sorted.
This book is heavy on the steam and light on the spice but the story stood out without the descriptions of all the bedroom activities but I adored how the conversation between these two happened about why she was hesitant 🥰
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
It was refreshing to read about MCs who are over 30 and questioning their life choices while wondering what the fuck am I doing? Nova is chaos and Sayer is calm and I think they compliment each other really well. While the storyline jumps a bit I think the development of their relationship is realistic. As always I love having friendships included and both have their BFFs around providing humour, sage advice and drama. The ending did make me shed a few tears, their interaction with the builder was beautiful. I love Mrs Bing she sees through Nova and provides the best advice and comfort.
It was refreshing to read about MCs who are over 30 and questioning their life choices while wondering what the fuck am I doing? Nova is chaos and Sayer is calm and I think they compliment each other really well. While the storyline jumps a bit I think the development of their relationship is realistic. As always I love having friendships included and both have their BFFs around providing humour, sage advice and drama. The ending did make me shed a few tears, their interaction with the builder was beautiful. I love Mrs Bing she sees through Nova and provides the best advice and comfort.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Light summer romance is a fun relief from my usual fare of dark fantasy, and I enjoyed Almost Functional. There are several laugh-out-loud moments (especially enjoyed the meet cute involving a coffee stained rug) The writing is very good! Had I been a beta reader, I would have questioned a couple plot points that I found to be too big a stretch to find plausible, (and the only reason I am not giving this a 5 star review) but despite those, I feel good recommending this book to anyone who enjoys romance books.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a amazingly fun real life romance. Where people are clumsy, awkward and make mistakes. Where things aren't perfect, but they do they best they can and love life. I could really relate the FMC's clumsiness and I overall love the relatability of the story and that it made me feel warm and cozy. This is a closed door romance about two people finding each other and the life they want, later than they hoped, but definitely worth the wait. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did! I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nova sold cars until the dealership was shut down. When her boss gets a job, he hires Nova as his assistant. Sayer moved across the hall from Nova and is best friends with Nova's boss. With both Sayer and his best friend interested in Nova there was a lot to work through. I liked how the three of them resolved their conflict. Sayer and Nova were immediately attracted to each other but I loved how they interacted. Great story with examples about what is important in life.
Review of advance copy
Nova and Sayer are the cutest couple with the funniest way they met. It follows their life lives and kept me reading. Love always wins. If you love a good romance book this is an amazing one. (I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review).
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an ARC review.
Overall this was a good book. I was waiting for the peek, that part the makes you sit a little straighter or get the tissues but this story is more just on-going of life events.
There is some cute and gritty parts but otherwise it's 2 people meeting unexpectedly and how life unfolds.
Overall this was a good book. I was waiting for the peek, that part the makes you sit a little straighter or get the tissues but this story is more just on-going of life events.
There is some cute and gritty parts but otherwise it's 2 people meeting unexpectedly and how life unfolds.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the first I have read of this author and I really enjoyed this read. Slow to get going but not enough to put me off at all. Such a cute meet read! Loved the banter that the characters have through out!
Review of advance copy
Very descriptive
The pace is a bit slow at times.. but it was manageable.
Good banter.
The first half was good but the second half...well it didn't do it for me.
There's a lot of clichés..
I mean it's not essentially a bad thing.. just.. hmm sometimes it works, sometimes not?
The pace is a bit slow at times.. but it was manageable.
Good banter.
The first half was good but the second half...well it didn't do it for me.
There's a lot of clichés..
I mean it's not essentially a bad thing.. just.. hmm sometimes it works, sometimes not?
Review of advance copy received from Author
This sweet romance is written with care and flows smoothly, making it an easy read. The story is well‑crafted and has a gentle charm, but for me, it lacked the spark to keep me fully engaged.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
What a truly beautiful love story. So true to life. Their ups and downs were so real. This is such a pleasant read. Thank you BookSprout for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The most adorable meet-cute, closed door romance I have read in a long time.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews