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A Novel Proposal
He was the boss.
He was my best friend.
And I fell in love.
Annalise Owings has fallen in love with her boss, Evan Andrews, editor of a small-press publishing company. What’s worse, Evan is clueless about her affections. After nearly two years of working together, suffering through late-night meetings and embarrassing work snafus, Annalise decides she can’t bear Evan’s disregard for her obvious feelings anymore. Staying in the friend zone is just too painful.
Ignoring her anguish, Annalise submits her work in progress to Evan, hoping to fulfill her writing dreams. When she accepts her edits from him after another day of frustration, Annalise quits. But moving on from Evan won’t be as easy as she thinks, not when she has a manuscript full of his edits.
If only Annalise isn’t too heartbroken, she might find a few surprises written in the ink between the lines.
A romantic comedy with a novel approach.
"Hilariously twisted characters!"
"Riotously funny situations!"
"So many unexpected laughs!"
He was my best friend.
And I fell in love.
Annalise Owings has fallen in love with her boss, Evan Andrews, editor of a small-press publishing company. What’s worse, Evan is clueless about her affections. After nearly two years of working together, suffering through late-night meetings and embarrassing work snafus, Annalise decides she can’t bear Evan’s disregard for her obvious feelings anymore. Staying in the friend zone is just too painful.
Ignoring her anguish, Annalise submits her work in progress to Evan, hoping to fulfill her writing dreams. When she accepts her edits from him after another day of frustration, Annalise quits. But moving on from Evan won’t be as easy as she thinks, not when she has a manuscript full of his edits.
If only Annalise isn’t too heartbroken, she might find a few surprises written in the ink between the lines.
A romantic comedy with a novel approach.
"Hilariously twisted characters!"
"Riotously funny situations!"
"So many unexpected laughs!"
- GenresRomance
215 pages, ebook
Published March 18, 2019
25 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
E.E. Everly
43 books29 followersE.E. EVERLY once trampled through the Appalachian woods and built forts in bramble bushes. She loves the sun in winter and the rain in summer. She believes in miracles, the power of love, and magic. Other worlds do exist, and her writing opens portals to them. Cake is always to be savored, and her soul animal is a cat. Meow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 8, 2022
This was an adorable book and the name is so clever! I have to say that this author gained a new fan.
June 24, 2021
This story is totally cute!
I got a huge kick out of these characters. Lisee is so quirky, and she has a humorous infatuation with cake. And Evan--dreamy British guy. Yes! Some funny situations that just make me laugh out loud. And I love how the author set up the story, with the breakup at the beginning, and we see the growth of the characters' relationship through Evan's eyes, in such a clever way. Love, l0ve, love that plot device. I really related to these characters. Just so much fun!
Clean read. A must for all romance lovers.
I got a huge kick out of these characters. Lisee is so quirky, and she has a humorous infatuation with cake. And Evan--dreamy British guy. Yes! Some funny situations that just make me laugh out loud. And I love how the author set up the story, with the breakup at the beginning, and we see the growth of the characters' relationship through Evan's eyes, in such a clever way. Love, l0ve, love that plot device. I really related to these characters. Just so much fun!
Clean read. A must for all romance lovers.
May 28, 2019
Cute Idea!
This was such a clever idea for a romance book. As a reader, of course I would love it. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters through Evan's perspective and Annalise's reactions. It really was a fun set up. I loved how light hearted most of the book felt and the build up to the conclusion was excellent. 3.5 stars
Content: a couple instances of swearing, sexual references
This was such a clever idea for a romance book. As a reader, of course I would love it. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters through Evan's perspective and Annalise's reactions. It really was a fun set up. I loved how light hearted most of the book felt and the build up to the conclusion was excellent. 3.5 stars
Content: a couple instances of swearing, sexual references
July 25, 2023
Annalise Owings has fallen in love with her clueless boss Evan Andrews. She’s hoping to fulfill her writing dreams and when after two years firmly in the friend zone she puts forward her manuscript which he edits within a shred of its existence and ups and quits without even reading his notes…. A fun quirky ,awkward romance . An absolute must read . I couldn’t put it down can’t wait for the next Novel Love book already!
I read an arc of this book and my review is my own words and voluntary
I read an arc of this book and my review is my own words and voluntary
May 3, 2022
This is an enjoyable story with strong characters and an entertaining and humorous story line. The author adds in some seriousness, paints her scenes perfectly and delivers a terrific read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
December 7, 2022
A feel good, laugh out loud rom com
Well that was a novel experience you will not want to miss. I took a chance on an author I had not tried and now I’m hooked.
I loved this book so much that I am going to see if I can get myself a paperback copy to keep forever. And I don’t say that about a lot of books.
This is a slow burn office romance that was written in such a unique way that you can’t put down. I was eager to find out how their story was going to pan out. You are with them right from the very beginning, watching in as the relationship slowly evolves. We are with them during the highs and during their lowest of lows. And at times your heart breaks a little but for them only to be buoyed up soon again after.
A definite must read. 5 ⭐️ are just not enough
Well that was a novel experience you will not want to miss. I took a chance on an author I had not tried and now I’m hooked.
I loved this book so much that I am going to see if I can get myself a paperback copy to keep forever. And I don’t say that about a lot of books.
This is a slow burn office romance that was written in such a unique way that you can’t put down. I was eager to find out how their story was going to pan out. You are with them right from the very beginning, watching in as the relationship slowly evolves. We are with them during the highs and during their lowest of lows. And at times your heart breaks a little but for them only to be buoyed up soon again after.
A definite must read. 5 ⭐️ are just not enough
March 29, 2019
This was an absolute joy to read. I was hooked from the beginning and it was hard to put down. It’s an easy read. I liked the two main viewpoints of the main characters. Both characters are likeable, complex, and people you feel you know, especially the main character. Some things were predictable, but always with surprising details which kept me reading. It is a sweet story, and I would recommend it. I am also obsessed with cake.
June 10, 2019
The story starts out fresh and lively.
Read full review in the 2019 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2019 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 8, 2023
Good Idea But Some Issues
When I read about this book's concept in the blurb, I thought it was an intriguing one. As a voracious reader and lover of words, I liked the idea of the hero and heroine’s story being revealed in the pages of her edited manuscript. Unfortunately, it wasn't executed quite as well as I would have hoped. The book didn't start in the right place, at least not for me. It's almost as if the author expected you to have read the book blurb so you would understand enough of the couple’s backstory so she wouldn’t need to say much more and just start the story at a pivotal point in their relationship. She didn't include any true explanation or discussion of—let alone in any way show—what the hero and heroine’s relationship was like before the crucial first scene where the heroine quits working for him because of her unrequited feelings for him… a planned for, but a surprise to him, goodbye. I think the author should have provided at least one scene, and preferably more, from the heroine's perspective that showed how his lack of understanding of her romantic feelings towards him was making their working relationship and friendship untenable, so much so as to make severing all ties the way she felt she needed to go to protect her heart. To just start with the scene where she's walking out of the office for the last time just isn't the right place to start. Yes, we do see what happened in their prior relationship, but the bulk of that detail comes from the story the hero has interwoven into his edits of her first novel. Even though the heroine is at the center of this particular book, I didn't really feel like she had much of a voice because most of what we read about their relationship is from the hero's perspective in his remembrance of moments they shared.
The book’s formatting is sometimes confusing because of how the story goes back and forth between the heroine in the current moment and the relationship backstory written by the hero. The book alternates between them, and at first and at times, the switch is so that it takes a moment to understand exactly where you are in which story.
I received free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
When I read about this book's concept in the blurb, I thought it was an intriguing one. As a voracious reader and lover of words, I liked the idea of the hero and heroine’s story being revealed in the pages of her edited manuscript. Unfortunately, it wasn't executed quite as well as I would have hoped. The book didn't start in the right place, at least not for me. It's almost as if the author expected you to have read the book blurb so you would understand enough of the couple’s backstory so she wouldn’t need to say much more and just start the story at a pivotal point in their relationship. She didn't include any true explanation or discussion of—let alone in any way show—what the hero and heroine’s relationship was like before the crucial first scene where the heroine quits working for him because of her unrequited feelings for him… a planned for, but a surprise to him, goodbye. I think the author should have provided at least one scene, and preferably more, from the heroine's perspective that showed how his lack of understanding of her romantic feelings towards him was making their working relationship and friendship untenable, so much so as to make severing all ties the way she felt she needed to go to protect her heart. To just start with the scene where she's walking out of the office for the last time just isn't the right place to start. Yes, we do see what happened in their prior relationship, but the bulk of that detail comes from the story the hero has interwoven into his edits of her first novel. Even though the heroine is at the center of this particular book, I didn't really feel like she had much of a voice because most of what we read about their relationship is from the hero's perspective in his remembrance of moments they shared.
The book’s formatting is sometimes confusing because of how the story goes back and forth between the heroine in the current moment and the relationship backstory written by the hero. The book alternates between them, and at first and at times, the switch is so that it takes a moment to understand exactly where you are in which story.
I received free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
February 22, 2022
Annalise has a problem. She is in love with her boss, but Evan is clueless. Fed up with being in the friend zone, she quits without warning. She doesn't even want to read the edits he made on her novel. But when a friend insists she read the book, she discovers he has made some drastic suggestions. Will reading his changes help Annalise see Evan in a new light? Or has she lost her best friend.
This was a very cute story and something I recommend for all romance writers, as we can relate to a lot of the situations within the story. That said, I did have a couple of issues with the book. There were several scenes, specifically the ones involving the ski resort and the hospital, that felt they could have used a little more research. I'm not exactly sure where this story was supposed to take place, but Annalise and Evan's experiences were drastically different than mine and the events, while cute and helped drive the story, felt unrealistic.
My other issue with the book was the way Annalise dissected the story between every chapter. Her acknowledging this was the inciting incident or the halfway mark (at exactly the point where my Kindle read 50% progress) was distracting. While I didn't mind her reflections on the events, I found her analysis of the story structure jarring.
There were several grammatical errors, which I found ironic in a story about an editor, but it was not enough to detract from the overall story. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
This was a very cute story and something I recommend for all romance writers, as we can relate to a lot of the situations within the story. That said, I did have a couple of issues with the book. There were several scenes, specifically the ones involving the ski resort and the hospital, that felt they could have used a little more research. I'm not exactly sure where this story was supposed to take place, but Annalise and Evan's experiences were drastically different than mine and the events, while cute and helped drive the story, felt unrealistic.
My other issue with the book was the way Annalise dissected the story between every chapter. Her acknowledging this was the inciting incident or the halfway mark (at exactly the point where my Kindle read 50% progress) was distracting. While I didn't mind her reflections on the events, I found her analysis of the story structure jarring.
There were several grammatical errors, which I found ironic in a story about an editor, but it was not enough to detract from the overall story. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
July 3, 2021
I really enjoy this story. Annalise quits her job because she is smitten for her boss, Evan, thinking he is absolutely clueless to her feelings. She drops off her manuscript to Evan on the way out and leaves to embrace a new job.
Evans sister drops off the manuscript to Annalise, asking her to make up with Evan so they all could stay friends. She decides to go through the manuscript and notices there are extra chapters inside after each of her own chapters. Evan wrote his own version of a manuscript, detailing how they met, the interview process, then more details about their building friendship.
I enjoyed reading from both points of view. I can relate to Annalise not having your feelings go through with someone who is clueless about them. It seems like typical friendship to them but it’s quite a bit more than you were hoping. Sticking around and not being able to be with that person can drive you bonkers. I recommend it because I couldn’t stop reading, wanting to know more of the story once I got sucked in! It is incredibly detailed and I love how it makes you want to keep reading!!
Evans sister drops off the manuscript to Annalise, asking her to make up with Evan so they all could stay friends. She decides to go through the manuscript and notices there are extra chapters inside after each of her own chapters. Evan wrote his own version of a manuscript, detailing how they met, the interview process, then more details about their building friendship.
I enjoyed reading from both points of view. I can relate to Annalise not having your feelings go through with someone who is clueless about them. It seems like typical friendship to them but it’s quite a bit more than you were hoping. Sticking around and not being able to be with that person can drive you bonkers. I recommend it because I couldn’t stop reading, wanting to know more of the story once I got sucked in! It is incredibly detailed and I love how it makes you want to keep reading!!
May 6, 2022
Let me tell you how very much I loved this novel. It is endearing, adoreable, a tinge spooky, and what is not to dye for! I have to tell you that I am totally hooked on the writing of EE Everly. She is such an engaging author. She crafts her characters with absolute perfection. This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author. I received a free copy of this book via StoryOrrigin, I and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2022
Annalise is in love with her boss. She is leaving her job and starting a new job on Monday. She had given Evan her manuscript to edit. He gave it back to her as she was leaving for good.
Evan didn’t realize that Annalise was leaving work for good. He ignored her attempts to let him know she wanted more. She became upset and threw her manuscript at him.
His sister returns Annalise’s manuscript to her. She encouraged her to read the edits.
Evan has written his own perspective of their relationship and includes it in her manuscript.
The ending is with him. Has a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Evan didn’t realize that Annalise was leaving work for good. He ignored her attempts to let him know she wanted more. She became upset and threw her manuscript at him.
His sister returns Annalise’s manuscript to her. She encouraged her to read the edits.
Evan has written his own perspective of their relationship and includes it in her manuscript.
The ending is with him. Has a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2019
Lovely premise, awkward at times
I absolutely LOVED the premise of this book. It began well and captured my interest. However, it fell apart about halfway through, and parts of it just felt weird. I think it was going for humor, but my own business experience must be on the conservative side because I found much of the employees' behaviors to be creepy and uncomfortably over the line. The main characters, too. I read some outrageous, over the top novels, but this just felt awkward.
I absolutely LOVED the premise of this book. It began well and captured my interest. However, it fell apart about halfway through, and parts of it just felt weird. I think it was going for humor, but my own business experience must be on the conservative side because I found much of the employees' behaviors to be creepy and uncomfortably over the line. The main characters, too. I read some outrageous, over the top novels, but this just felt awkward.
May 19, 2022
I first met Lisee and Evan while reading the story about another member of their office family who was finding and losing her heart at the same time as she was losing her mind about all the craziness on all fronts.
That story showed a very pregnant Lisee about to go into labor, so I thought this story would just be backstory and cute.
It was much more.
Touching, funny, bittersweet and heartbreaking reading the whole of the stories of their love and their losses, and the crazy way Lisee and Evan shared all of that with the family they built at and around their office.
That story showed a very pregnant Lisee about to go into labor, so I thought this story would just be backstory and cute.
It was much more.
Touching, funny, bittersweet and heartbreaking reading the whole of the stories of their love and their losses, and the crazy way Lisee and Evan shared all of that with the family they built at and around their office.
March 28, 2019
Delightful
That is the only word for this brilliant novel involving one novel written between the pages of another novel, except that the original novel is fictional fiction and the second novel and the musings of the author of the original novel are fictional fact. If that confuses you you're allowed to be confused.
The entire book will unconfuse you.
Recommended for all readers.
That is the only word for this brilliant novel involving one novel written between the pages of another novel, except that the original novel is fictional fiction and the second novel and the musings of the author of the original novel are fictional fact. If that confuses you you're allowed to be confused.
The entire book will unconfuse you.
Recommended for all readers.
August 31, 2021
Short review. A different type of friends to lovers romance. I like the premise it was different and unique way of telling the story. I liked how both characters cared and supported each other, they're friendship and slow build up to the way they fell in love with each other was done really well. There are some awkward moments, one that will make you cringe that has to do with co-workers. If you are looking for a light sweet romance this is the book for you.
December 28, 2020
Annalise is so frustrated with Evan she quits her job. Evan gives her back her draft novel with edits....very interesting edits. Annalise relives their entire relationship in inserted notes in her novel. This is a very sweet clean story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 29, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by E.E. Everly; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2021
A good story that had some humorous moments. I liked the story and the characters and chose to read this book based on the interesting premise. I would say that the story delivered some of the expectations I had. I liked the story overall.
I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.
I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.
May 12, 2022
A Novel Proposal: A Sweet Office Romantic Comedy (A Novel Love Book 1)
Book 1 of A Novel Love
E.E. Everly
This book was cute and funny at times but it also had greater depth. I enjoyed the characters and storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 1 of A Novel Love
E.E. Everly
This book was cute and funny at times but it also had greater depth. I enjoyed the characters and storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2023
Enjoyed this novel concept, fun sweet romance. Loved how you learn from the beginning of how it was between them and their friendship developed. I liked the way it’s told from both perspectives and how each interpreted the differences. Can’t wait for more to come.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
July 2, 2020
Darling read
I wasn't t so sure about the set up of this book at first, but then it started to make more sense and the novel became really cute, exciting and even humorous. I really enjoyed this unique take.
I wasn't t so sure about the set up of this book at first, but then it started to make more sense and the novel became really cute, exciting and even humorous. I really enjoyed this unique take.
December 30, 2020
I loved Lisee and Evan's story, the way it is written is quite different it gives us her side and his as if we're finding out how things were for him since they met at the same time Analise is also reading it. This type of story telling is different and very interesting. Loved this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2021
I enjoyed the storyline in this well written and developed book. The flow was a definite plus. The characters are engaging and well developed with plenty of chemistry throughout the pages.
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.
August 9, 2021
This author's novel approach to storytelling was fun to read. The intense need to reach the end of the story that the female main character has is infectious. It certainly kept me turning the pages of this sweet romance.
November 7, 2021
page turning
I love RomCom’s. This was a funny story that also had very sad parts that including mourning loss and mourning lost love. I devoured this book today. It was entertains and I enjoyed it.
I love RomCom’s. This was a funny story that also had very sad parts that including mourning loss and mourning lost love. I devoured this book today. It was entertains and I enjoyed it.
May 7, 2022
Very cute, sweet and humorous. This is a very enjoyable lighter feel good read. This office romantic comedy follows Evan and Annalise. Both are complex characters and so easy to like. I found myself laughing while reading.
May 8, 2022
A cute and entertaining read. This is the first book in this new series. This is a new author for me and I am looking forward to read more from them. A great start.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2022
The story of Annalise and Evan. I liked both characters and that it is told from both points of view.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews