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The Elle Project
True Love should never be put to a family vote.
Elle:
All I wanted was a nice, relaxing Christmas vacation at home with my family. But no, the lot of them had to ruin it by inviting my childhood crush, Oliver Moore, and throwing us together at every possible moment. Heaven, help me.
Now, instead of sipping hot cocoa by the fire, I’m dodging matchmaking attempts and trying to pretend I’m not attracted to Oliver’s adorably perfect smile. I will not become another one of my family’s projects.
Oliver:
I mean, am I upset Elle’s family swindled us into this Christmas vacation together? No. Will I ever admit that aloud? Also, no. I’ve long ago come to terms with the friend zone Elle placed me in back around ninth grade.
But there’s something different about her this week. Something that’s bringing up feelings I really should ignore.
Too bad ignoring has never been my strong suit.
Elle:
All I wanted was a nice, relaxing Christmas vacation at home with my family. But no, the lot of them had to ruin it by inviting my childhood crush, Oliver Moore, and throwing us together at every possible moment. Heaven, help me.
Now, instead of sipping hot cocoa by the fire, I’m dodging matchmaking attempts and trying to pretend I’m not attracted to Oliver’s adorably perfect smile. I will not become another one of my family’s projects.
Oliver:
I mean, am I upset Elle’s family swindled us into this Christmas vacation together? No. Will I ever admit that aloud? Also, no. I’ve long ago come to terms with the friend zone Elle placed me in back around ninth grade.
But there’s something different about her this week. Something that’s bringing up feelings I really should ignore.
Too bad ignoring has never been my strong suit.
137 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2021
68 people are currently reading
1182 people want to read
About the author
Summer Dowell
18 books226 followersSummer Dowell is a romantic comedy author on the side of her main gig which is being mom to her six children. She is obsessed with reading and creating stories in her free time. Her most noted other skills include making a mean peanut butter and jelly sandwich and doing massive loads of laundry.
Summer holds a bachelors degree in Business Marketing from Brigham Young University.
She currently resides with her family in Southern California.
Summer holds a bachelors degree in Business Marketing from Brigham Young University.
She currently resides with her family in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
February 24, 2022
Short and super cute Christmas-themed rom-com. The main character's family drives me insane (I would have snapped) but I suppose that's the point!
Currently reading
November 4, 2021It's LIVE!!! Woo Hoo!
Thank you so much for those of you who have already read and shared about this lovely Christmas gem! It's now available for FREE on Kindle Unlimited, or you can grab an ebook or paperback version!
Here's a little teaser to get you excited:
"Holy cow. He's ten times better in person than on the screen. I drink him in like a glass of mulled apple cider. The kind where you know someone was a little heavy-handed with the cloves because it gives you a heady kick right after it warms you to your toes."
😁😁😁 Grab your copy now!
Thank you so much for those of you who have already read and shared about this lovely Christmas gem! It's now available for FREE on Kindle Unlimited, or you can grab an ebook or paperback version!
Here's a little teaser to get you excited:
"Holy cow. He's ten times better in person than on the screen. I drink him in like a glass of mulled apple cider. The kind where you know someone was a little heavy-handed with the cloves because it gives you a heady kick right after it warms you to your toes."
😁😁😁 Grab your copy now!
November 12, 2023
HILARIOUS and CUTE, THE ELLE PROJECT is the perfect romance novella for the upcoming holiday season! If you are looking for a second chance of friends to lovers trope, this holiday book is for you! With only 126 pages, it’s quick and festive! The story follows Elle going to her family’s house for Christmas vacation, when she meet again her childhood friend, Oliver. They are surprised that they will have to be spending a Christmas together, but learn to reconnect their friendship as they do Christmas activities with the family and maybe find in their hearts to be loved too. A easy and wonderful festive romance to add on your holiday TBR!
March 10, 2022
I was ECSTATIC about this book when I heard it was coming out. A Christmas book from Summer? SIGN ME UP!
It’s the perfect little length! Great read when you have a minute to sit down during the holiday hustle & bustle.
I’m really really excited about the rest of this series!! The huge family made me smile CONSTANTLY. (Though the second hand embarrassment was REEEEAAALLL in this book) I could totally see my family turning into this one.
I loved Oliver! But I mean how could any girl not?!
I liked Elle when we were in her head and getting her side of the story. (Sometimes…)
I really did love a lot of the story. HOWEVER…this book’s main theme was one of my biggest pet peeves in a story. NO COMMUNICATION. If they had just talked a bit more it would’ve been so much better. (We would’ve gotten more sweet banter scenes)
The motivation for why Elle kept Oliver at arms length was hard to wrap my mind around, but I’m also a sucker for all things happily ever after so I was just ready for that! 😅
I wish the characters had had just a little more backbone & realized they’re full grown adults. They make their own decisions.
I LOVED the scene with Elle & her daddy. I honestly wish there had been a few more of those moments!
Again, the family….LOVED! They were loud and nosey and in your face. And I loved their chemistry!
I’m SUPER excited about Sophie’s story! She was AN AMAZING side character! We definitely all need a bestie like her!
Overall I did enjoy the book! And I can’t wait for the next one!
3.5/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
It’s the perfect little length! Great read when you have a minute to sit down during the holiday hustle & bustle.
I’m really really excited about the rest of this series!! The huge family made me smile CONSTANTLY. (Though the second hand embarrassment was REEEEAAALLL in this book) I could totally see my family turning into this one.
I loved Oliver! But I mean how could any girl not?!
I liked Elle when we were in her head and getting her side of the story. (Sometimes…)
I really did love a lot of the story. HOWEVER…this book’s main theme was one of my biggest pet peeves in a story. NO COMMUNICATION. If they had just talked a bit more it would’ve been so much better. (We would’ve gotten more sweet banter scenes)
The motivation for why Elle kept Oliver at arms length was hard to wrap my mind around, but I’m also a sucker for all things happily ever after so I was just ready for that! 😅
I wish the characters had had just a little more backbone & realized they’re full grown adults. They make their own decisions.
I LOVED the scene with Elle & her daddy. I honestly wish there had been a few more of those moments!
Again, the family….LOVED! They were loud and nosey and in your face. And I loved their chemistry!
I’m SUPER excited about Sophie’s story! She was AN AMAZING side character! We definitely all need a bestie like her!
Overall I did enjoy the book! And I can’t wait for the next one!
3.5/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
November 13, 2022
Super cute and fun!
Oliver and Elle were childhood friends, next door neighbors with meddling moms that always wanted them to get married. They more they pushed for it, the more distant they become until eventually Elle went off to college and decided to stay away. Now, they're both going to be home for Christmas and once again their family has plans to make them fall in love!
I liked Elle and Oliver a lot, but wow are their family members a lot to handle. They gave me a lot of anxiety, lol. This was a fun novella though, I enjoyed it and couldnt put it down.
Content Rated G
Clean romance - kissing, meddling family. No language or violence.
Oliver and Elle were childhood friends, next door neighbors with meddling moms that always wanted them to get married. They more they pushed for it, the more distant they become until eventually Elle went off to college and decided to stay away. Now, they're both going to be home for Christmas and once again their family has plans to make them fall in love!
I liked Elle and Oliver a lot, but wow are their family members a lot to handle. They gave me a lot of anxiety, lol. This was a fun novella though, I enjoyed it and couldnt put it down.
Content Rated G
Clean romance - kissing, meddling family. No language or violence.
November 23, 2021
Another cute Christmasy novella.
November 1, 2021
4.5 stars
This book is hilarious and sweet and swoony! Novellas and short stories can be difficult to really give a full picture and provide enough time for things to happen, but Summer pulled it off with this one.
Elle is disillusioned about her family. They are loud and bossy and nosey (they reminded me a little of the family in My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding and I loved them!) and she wants to prove that she can figure out what’s best for her without their interference. I loved how sneaky her family thought they were being when they were so obvious. But Elle is so stubborn! It was funny to me how determined she was to not like (*ahem* love) Oliver. Also, her fake boyfriend scheme is hilarious!
Speaking of Oliver, he is so great! I really love him. He’s kind and thoughtful and hardworking and sweet and I love him. He’s a great MMC. I admit I kept yelling at Elle (in my mind because I’m only partially crazy) to notice what a great guy he was and stop being so stubborn!
This is an adorable quick read, that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit and provide a bit swoon.
**Many thanks to the author for the advance copy, which I was offered with option to review. These are my very own thoughts.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is hilarious and sweet and swoony! Novellas and short stories can be difficult to really give a full picture and provide enough time for things to happen, but Summer pulled it off with this one.
Elle is disillusioned about her family. They are loud and bossy and nosey (they reminded me a little of the family in My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding and I loved them!) and she wants to prove that she can figure out what’s best for her without their interference. I loved how sneaky her family thought they were being when they were so obvious. But Elle is so stubborn! It was funny to me how determined she was to not like (*ahem* love) Oliver. Also, her fake boyfriend scheme is hilarious!
Speaking of Oliver, he is so great! I really love him. He’s kind and thoughtful and hardworking and sweet and I love him. He’s a great MMC. I admit I kept yelling at Elle (in my mind because I’m only partially crazy) to notice what a great guy he was and stop being so stubborn!
This is an adorable quick read, that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit and provide a bit swoon.
**Many thanks to the author for the advance copy, which I was offered with option to review. These are my very own thoughts.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 2, 2021
Thank you to the author for an eARC.
PERFECT FOR THE SEASON.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
A quick, light-hearted novella sure to make you smile. I got a few good laughs out of this and love the fast paced nature of this childhood friends to lovers holiday novella.
Oliver and Elle were constantly being pushed together until something finally cracked. I love the dates they went on and the speed of everything. Even in a short format, I felt like I got a lot of the story. I would have loved even more a full fledged novel (but maybe with Elle’s brothers???). It has that predictable air that I love in a holiday romance.
Elle’s family was a bit over-bearing for me personally, but I know that others may really enjoy that quirk. I do like having large families in stories though, all of the sibling dynamics remind me of my own. Another sweet read from Dowell! I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next.
Overall audience notes:
- Holiday Contemporary Romance Novella
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
PERFECT FOR THE SEASON.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
A quick, light-hearted novella sure to make you smile. I got a few good laughs out of this and love the fast paced nature of this childhood friends to lovers holiday novella.
Oliver and Elle were constantly being pushed together until something finally cracked. I love the dates they went on and the speed of everything. Even in a short format, I felt like I got a lot of the story. I would have loved even more a full fledged novel (but maybe with Elle’s brothers???). It has that predictable air that I love in a holiday romance.
Elle’s family was a bit over-bearing for me personally, but I know that others may really enjoy that quirk. I do like having large families in stories though, all of the sibling dynamics remind me of my own. Another sweet read from Dowell! I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next.
Overall audience notes:
- Holiday Contemporary Romance Novella
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
May 22, 2024
Quise leer está historia está pasada Navidad pero por una cosa o por otra no me dio tiempo, así que en febrero tuvo que ser.
La novela es divertida, amena y muy linda, me reí bastante con la familia de los protagonistas y aunque me hubiese gustado ver más a Elle y Oliver como pareja, la lectura fue justo lo que necesitaba en este momento.
En fin, The Elle Project fue un libro bonito y que leí en un instante. Es ideal para cuando estés un poco de capa caída, te saca una sonrisa, es muy cute.
2.75 Estrellas!
December 26, 2021
4.5⭐️ For being a novella, it was really nicely paced and honestly felt longer than it was. But, I still didn’t want it to end. I really enjoyed this! It was a childhood friends to lovers with dual POV. The family dynamic was so relatable and hilarious. I highly recommend this for a quick fun read!
January 10, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
This novella was SO MUCH FUN!!!! This was my first book by Summer and it most definitely will not be the last! Her wit and writing abilities are outstanding!
My reading experience was really so fun! I started it at work while we were slow and I had to keep ducking behind my computer monitor to laugh and make faces lol!
I was laughing so hard and cringing and freaking out… (underwear scene, anyone?)
This was a pretty quick read too. I’m always super impressed when a novella can give me so many emotions and reactions.
I don’t know if I can say all of the things I loved because I’d be listing everything in the book!
Elle’s family was the best part of the book though! They were cracking me up so much with their matchmaking and bickering! I felt so apart of the story, I could just hear and see all the chaos!
Oliver was super dreamy and Elle was hilarious. But I wanted to shake her because, “Um, get it together! Get that man!”
I definitely wouldn’t mind being in her position and having my family throw me at such an amazing man! 😍
I hope Sophie gets her own story too! Please! 🥺
Random scenes that I loved and LOL’d at:
Underwear scene
Basketball scene
Gift wrapping scene
The ring!
The ending…
The steering wheel scene in the beginning
Getting “Danny’s call in front of the family 🤣
Please please read this! It’s so worth it!
This novella was SO MUCH FUN!!!! This was my first book by Summer and it most definitely will not be the last! Her wit and writing abilities are outstanding!
My reading experience was really so fun! I started it at work while we were slow and I had to keep ducking behind my computer monitor to laugh and make faces lol!
I was laughing so hard and cringing and freaking out… (underwear scene, anyone?)
This was a pretty quick read too. I’m always super impressed when a novella can give me so many emotions and reactions.
I don’t know if I can say all of the things I loved because I’d be listing everything in the book!
Elle’s family was the best part of the book though! They were cracking me up so much with their matchmaking and bickering! I felt so apart of the story, I could just hear and see all the chaos!
Oliver was super dreamy and Elle was hilarious. But I wanted to shake her because, “Um, get it together! Get that man!”
I definitely wouldn’t mind being in her position and having my family throw me at such an amazing man! 😍
I hope Sophie gets her own story too! Please! 🥺
Random scenes that I loved and LOL’d at:
Underwear scene
Basketball scene
Gift wrapping scene
The ring!
The ending…
The steering wheel scene in the beginning
Getting “Danny’s call in front of the family 🤣
Please please read this! It’s so worth it!
December 28, 2021
I recommend The Elle Project if you’re looking for a fun, lighthearted, clean romance. This one gave me some My Big Fat Greek Wedding vibes as well as 10 Blind Dates. Perhaps a little Gilmore Girls too. A sweet lil’ novella that includes an eager-to-matchmake family, a fake boyfriend, and friends to lover trope! Be sure to check it out!
December 11, 2024
Cuando los protagonistas son unos bobos y no quieren admitir que están enamorados desde hace mucho, me encanta.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2022
Took awhile for me to get though this short read but it had a super cute ending! Definitely predictable but still overall a good read!
December 29, 2021
Her family was so annoying- I completely understood why she went to such lengths to avoid them and Oliver. I honestly wanted her to find someone else just so they could be wrong. At the very least, I would have liked some there to have been some acknowledgement of the distress their meddling had caused her, some regret on their part.
Other then that, the romance felt very slight to me. Any issues were resolved very quickly. Much of their romance relied on the fact that they were childhood friends so there wasn’t much actual development. They didn’t feel distinct to me as people.
I realize I might be expecting too much from a light holiday romance - but I’ve read really good holiday romances and this wasn’t one of them.
It was inoffensive.
Other then that, the romance felt very slight to me. Any issues were resolved very quickly. Much of their romance relied on the fact that they were childhood friends so there wasn’t much actual development. They didn’t feel distinct to me as people.
I realize I might be expecting too much from a light holiday romance - but I’ve read really good holiday romances and this wasn’t one of them.
It was inoffensive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2021
2.5 stars
This Christmas rom-com was something of a disappointment. I liked the MCs but.... Elle's family was just terrible/in-your-face all the time. And she never built up enough initiative to let them know how she felt about their meddling and lack of personal space. I would've liked to have seen her mature by the end of the book, but that just didn't happen.
We spent too much time in the middle of Elle's family being obnoxious, the comedy part of the rom-com was not particularly funny, and I didn't really feel much sizzle between the MCs.
This Christmas rom-com was something of a disappointment. I liked the MCs but.... Elle's family was just terrible/in-your-face all the time. And she never built up enough initiative to let them know how she felt about their meddling and lack of personal space. I would've liked to have seen her mature by the end of the book, but that just didn't happen.
We spent too much time in the middle of Elle's family being obnoxious, the comedy part of the rom-com was not particularly funny, and I didn't really feel much sizzle between the MCs.
November 14, 2021
My full review can be read here: bit.ly/322JtVN
For not the first time in my life, I think that I want a relationship like my parents’ one day. A relationship filled with love and respect and an equal concern for the other person.
I love Christmas. I love Summer Dowell's books. SO, I'M OBVIOUSLY BEYOND HAPPY THAT I GOT TO READ THIS FUN AND FESTIVE HOLIDAY ROMANCE! Gahhhhh. It was honestly just really cute. And there were soooooo many great lines!!! I highlighted like crazy lol (which is always a good sign). 💚💖
As far as content goes: Any suggestive material/innuendos were pretty minor, so no worries there. I truly can't think of anything that would really need to be listed as a warning. 🤔
Time to share some IMPORTANT points!
1: I haven’t even seen them interact with each other yet, and I already ship it so hard!!
2: Packing for any kind of trip is always a struggle lolllll
3: THANK YOU, BUZZ FOR CREATING AN AWKWARD/ADORABLE RE-MEETCUTE
4: Their mothers...are too much lol
5: Okay, I’m loving the friendship between Oliver and her brothers.
6: “Not that I’ve been keeping tabs on her”
7: I’m loving all these LOL thoughts
8: Sophie is great
9: The phone convo with her “boyfriend”
10: OH NO HE’S GOOD WITH KIDSSSS
11: That blurted confession in his car lollll
12: My heartttttt. Their internal descriptions of each other are adorableeee
13: SUCH A SOLID ALMOST KISSSSS
14: Everything about the “promise ring”
15: I want to thank burnt caramel sauce for helping these two PUSH BOUNDARIES and I want to throw her phone into the closest ocean
16: JUST LET HER TALK, OLIVER
17: I love her friendship with Sophie
18: Okay, her dad is super wholesome
19: “Since it’s been almost ten years”
20: Oh my gosh, her mom never stops lollll
21: YEAHHHHH, OLIVER
22: Her family is crazy for sure, but I honestly love them lol
23: That ending was adorably perfect
25: {SPOILER, MAYBE?} AND RHETT BETTER GET THEIR OWN BOOK, I HOPE THAT’S WHAT WAS IMPLIED
I try not to say toooooo much in my reviews of novellas (because I'm always worried about spoiling the books since they're shorter) but I could RAVE on this one for sureeeeeee. Elle had such a great sense of humor...and Oliver was goldddd, y'all!! The best combo of sweet and a little sassy. 😏
Ugh, it was just super cute. Lots of great side-characters. All the holiday vibes. I was greedy and wanted more lol (we did get an epilogue!), but it honestly had the right amount of everything for a novella. So, if you love Christmas and cheerful/wacky books...I think you'll really enjoy this one! 🎄📖
~I received an e-copy of this story from the author, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.~
For not the first time in my life, I think that I want a relationship like my parents’ one day. A relationship filled with love and respect and an equal concern for the other person.
I love Christmas. I love Summer Dowell's books. SO, I'M OBVIOUSLY BEYOND HAPPY THAT I GOT TO READ THIS FUN AND FESTIVE HOLIDAY ROMANCE! Gahhhhh. It was honestly just really cute. And there were soooooo many great lines!!! I highlighted like crazy lol (which is always a good sign). 💚💖
As far as content goes: Any suggestive material/innuendos were pretty minor, so no worries there. I truly can't think of anything that would really need to be listed as a warning. 🤔
Time to share some IMPORTANT points!
1: I haven’t even seen them interact with each other yet, and I already ship it so hard!!
2: Packing for any kind of trip is always a struggle lolllll
3: THANK YOU, BUZZ FOR CREATING AN AWKWARD/ADORABLE RE-MEETCUTE
4: Their mothers...are too much lol
5: Okay, I’m loving the friendship between Oliver and her brothers.
6: “Not that I’ve been keeping tabs on her”
7: I’m loving all these LOL thoughts
8: Sophie is great
9: The phone convo with her “boyfriend”
10: OH NO HE’S GOOD WITH KIDSSSS
11: That blurted confession in his car lollll
12: My heartttttt. Their internal descriptions of each other are adorableeee
13: SUCH A SOLID ALMOST KISSSSS
14: Everything about the “promise ring”
15: I want to thank burnt caramel sauce for helping these two PUSH BOUNDARIES and I want to throw her phone into the closest ocean
16: JUST LET HER TALK, OLIVER
17: I love her friendship with Sophie
18: Okay, her dad is super wholesome
19: “Since it’s been almost ten years”
20: Oh my gosh, her mom never stops lollll
21: YEAHHHHH, OLIVER
22: Her family is crazy for sure, but I honestly love them lol
23: That ending was adorably perfect
25: {SPOILER, MAYBE?} AND RHETT BETTER GET THEIR OWN BOOK, I HOPE THAT’S WHAT WAS IMPLIED
I try not to say toooooo much in my reviews of novellas (because I'm always worried about spoiling the books since they're shorter) but I could RAVE on this one for sureeeeeee. Elle had such a great sense of humor...and Oliver was goldddd, y'all!! The best combo of sweet and a little sassy. 😏
Ugh, it was just super cute. Lots of great side-characters. All the holiday vibes. I was greedy and wanted more lol (we did get an epilogue!), but it honestly had the right amount of everything for a novella. So, if you love Christmas and cheerful/wacky books...I think you'll really enjoy this one! 🎄📖
~I received an e-copy of this story from the author, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.~
November 4, 2021
I love a good novella. The good ones are short enough to read in an afternoon. And they don’t leave huge unanswered questions about the characters or the plot. This is one of the great ones! It kept my attention and I did not want to put it down. I loved that the whole thing felt complete. Summer Dowell did a fabulous job on it!
Elle…I loved her! How could I not. She’s a bit of a nerd, an accountant working in Denver. She’s getting ready to go home for Christmas when she finds out that Noah, one of her neighbors, will be there. Normally this isn’t a huge deal right? But the way their families are interconnected, that means that Elle will be seeing Noah all the time. And her family has been pushing the two of them together for years! Elle wants nothing to do with this. So she makes up a boyfriend. So stinking funny! Especially when she can’t remember what his name is supposed to be.
Noah is a great guy. He’s had feelings for Elle for forever. And he loves her family. I loved how he went out of his way to help Elle. And just the swoony moments between the two. They were so great!
This is such a great story! I laughed out loud several times. Can’t wait for more by this author!
I was sent an e-copy of The Elle Project as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
Elle…I loved her! How could I not. She’s a bit of a nerd, an accountant working in Denver. She’s getting ready to go home for Christmas when she finds out that Noah, one of her neighbors, will be there. Normally this isn’t a huge deal right? But the way their families are interconnected, that means that Elle will be seeing Noah all the time. And her family has been pushing the two of them together for years! Elle wants nothing to do with this. So she makes up a boyfriend. So stinking funny! Especially when she can’t remember what his name is supposed to be.
Noah is a great guy. He’s had feelings for Elle for forever. And he loves her family. I loved how he went out of his way to help Elle. And just the swoony moments between the two. They were so great!
This is such a great story! I laughed out loud several times. Can’t wait for more by this author!
I was sent an e-copy of The Elle Project as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
December 6, 2021
“This sounds like one of those cliché romantic comedies. The ones where someone pretends to be in a relationship, and everything ends in a metaphorical train wreck.”
“What are you talking about? Romantic comedies always end with a happily ever after. This plan is foolproof!”
Elle is going home for Christmas for the first time in a few years. The only problem is, she just found out that Oliver, her next door neighbor and the man her family thinks is perfect for her, will be in town, too. Desperate to escape her family’s outrageous and annoying matchmaking attempts, Elle blurts out that she has a boyfriend, which she does not. Elle begs her best friend, Sophie, to call a few times and pretend to be her fake boyfriend. What could possibly go wrong?
I love Summer’s books! They are always cute and fun and a perfect escape! This one had me laughing so many times! And rolling my eyes at Elle’s stubbornness! If you’re looking for a fun Christmas book, you can’t go wrong with this one!
“What are you talking about? Romantic comedies always end with a happily ever after. This plan is foolproof!”
Elle is going home for Christmas for the first time in a few years. The only problem is, she just found out that Oliver, her next door neighbor and the man her family thinks is perfect for her, will be in town, too. Desperate to escape her family’s outrageous and annoying matchmaking attempts, Elle blurts out that she has a boyfriend, which she does not. Elle begs her best friend, Sophie, to call a few times and pretend to be her fake boyfriend. What could possibly go wrong?
I love Summer’s books! They are always cute and fun and a perfect escape! This one had me laughing so many times! And rolling my eyes at Elle’s stubbornness! If you’re looking for a fun Christmas book, you can’t go wrong with this one!
October 24, 2021
Maybe it's because I come from a big-mouthed, too-involved family.
Or maybe it's because as a single 28-year-old in the south, I've known my fair share of awkward matchmaking schemes . . . usually at the hands of people who claimed to love me . . .
But I loooooooooooooved this story because I get it. I felt seen. 😂 I rooted for Elle and Oliver to get their act together because they're actually adorable. I LOL'd for real each time the moms, brothers, or aunts made things real weird real quick. And now I just want to go to every tree lighting I can find within a two county radius because #Christmas.
If you're looking for a light holiday rom-com to check off all of the right boxes, this one is a hit across the board. Don't miss it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All expressed opinions belong to me.
Or maybe it's because as a single 28-year-old in the south, I've known my fair share of awkward matchmaking schemes . . . usually at the hands of people who claimed to love me . . .
But I loooooooooooooved this story because I get it. I felt seen. 😂 I rooted for Elle and Oliver to get their act together because they're actually adorable. I LOL'd for real each time the moms, brothers, or aunts made things real weird real quick. And now I just want to go to every tree lighting I can find within a two county radius because #Christmas.
If you're looking for a light holiday rom-com to check off all of the right boxes, this one is a hit across the board. Don't miss it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All expressed opinions belong to me.
October 26, 2021
Do you have a family that likes to play matchmaker? Elle’s family does and as a reader you want in on this story. This family is over-the-top fun and there were so many laugh out loud moments. I love the dual point of view and think it makes the love story that much sweeter… and hilarious!
Summer is able to work magic and take a full story and put it into a novella. If there is one author that does a novella right… it’s Summer Dowell! She keeps everything (banter, steam, swoon and enjoyment level) right where I want them! Definitely add this to your Christmas reading list! It’s a keeper!
Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Summer is able to work magic and take a full story and put it into a novella. If there is one author that does a novella right… it’s Summer Dowell! She keeps everything (banter, steam, swoon and enjoyment level) right where I want them! Definitely add this to your Christmas reading list! It’s a keeper!
Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
October 29, 2021
This was such a fun and cute enemies to lovers, boy next door holiday novella! It had so many LOL moments and meddling family members - you can’t help but smile from beginning to end.
Elle drove me a little crazy with how stubborn she was, but Oliver was such a swoony hero! I absolutely loved him and all of his flirting and interactions with Elle.
The Elle Project is a quick, funny, and festive novella you will definitely want to check out on 11/4!
Elle drove me a little crazy with how stubborn she was, but Oliver was such a swoony hero! I absolutely loved him and all of his flirting and interactions with Elle.
The Elle Project is a quick, funny, and festive novella you will definitely want to check out on 11/4!
December 20, 2021
This book has it all. The girl we root for to find love, the handsome, charming and frustrating man, all the charm, swoon, heartmelting romantic comedy one could want. PLUS Christmas. It seriously doesn't get better than this. I LOVE this book. Summer Dowell is now at the top of my list for authors that I need to read because this book was fantastic.
Elle is stubborn, thoughtful, funny and just down right fun. Reading her story was a blast. Especially watching as she tried so hard to avoid Oliver, all the while that wonderful heart of her's was falling for him all over again. She is laugh out loud hilarious and when you add her family to the mix you can't help loving her, and her family, all the more. The sibling aspect of this story is a blast. Especially the interactions with her brothers. Seriously, I had so much fun reading this book...and I haven't even gotten to Oliver yet.
Oliver is all one could want in a man for Elle. This hardworking, 100% charming, handsome guy is my favorite. Seriously, I adore him. And I was rooting for him from page one. I wanted to shake Elle by the shoulders so many times because she was missing out on this fabulous guy and it just wasn't right. I mean can you blame her family for trying to push them together? Nope, not one bit.
Put Elle and Oliver together and man, I loved every single interaction they had from sports, baking ingredients, little treasures from the young teenage years. No kidding, my heart melted and I just love these two. Plus all the Christmas magic woven throughout. If you want to read a fun Christmas romantic comedy this Christmas or any time of the year pick up this book right now! You'll love it. I know I did and I'll definitely be rereading this one.
Elle is stubborn, thoughtful, funny and just down right fun. Reading her story was a blast. Especially watching as she tried so hard to avoid Oliver, all the while that wonderful heart of her's was falling for him all over again. She is laugh out loud hilarious and when you add her family to the mix you can't help loving her, and her family, all the more. The sibling aspect of this story is a blast. Especially the interactions with her brothers. Seriously, I had so much fun reading this book...and I haven't even gotten to Oliver yet.
Oliver is all one could want in a man for Elle. This hardworking, 100% charming, handsome guy is my favorite. Seriously, I adore him. And I was rooting for him from page one. I wanted to shake Elle by the shoulders so many times because she was missing out on this fabulous guy and it just wasn't right. I mean can you blame her family for trying to push them together? Nope, not one bit.
Put Elle and Oliver together and man, I loved every single interaction they had from sports, baking ingredients, little treasures from the young teenage years. No kidding, my heart melted and I just love these two. Plus all the Christmas magic woven throughout. If you want to read a fun Christmas romantic comedy this Christmas or any time of the year pick up this book right now! You'll love it. I know I did and I'll definitely be rereading this one.
March 9, 2022
Christmas matchmakers
Reader’s Notes:
– this is told from Elle and Oliver’s points of view
Review:
You know a book was good if three different people asked you why you are laughing while you read a book. That’s what happened with me while reading this one! I really enjoyed the families being all up in Elle and Oliver’s business and trying to get them together no matter how many times they tried to talk their ways out of it. Not even a supposed boyfriend could stop them in their matchmaking schemes. I enjoyed that though both of them could tell what their families were trying to do, they had a different reaction to it. Elle would avoid at all costs if she could while Oliver embraced every moment he could get with her. Even though they both liked each other. It was so entertaining to read!
It’s Christmas vacation and Elle is ready to relax with her family. But the day before she is supposed to arrive, Elle discovers that her childhood neighbor and friend will also be in town for Christmas. Which she knows that both their mothers made happen. Elle signed up for a Christmas vacation, not a Christmas all out family matchmaking attempt. But she can’t back out from visiting her family now…
Oliver also discovers their mothers’ plan, but he finds out after he’s already made it there. However he isn’t upset about it. Oliver is ready to spend as much time with Elle as he can, even if it is just as a friend. But something about this time feels different, Oliver just hopes that it isn’t only in his head and Elle feels the same way…
Reader’s Notes:
– this is told from Elle and Oliver’s points of view
Review:
You know a book was good if three different people asked you why you are laughing while you read a book. That’s what happened with me while reading this one! I really enjoyed the families being all up in Elle and Oliver’s business and trying to get them together no matter how many times they tried to talk their ways out of it. Not even a supposed boyfriend could stop them in their matchmaking schemes. I enjoyed that though both of them could tell what their families were trying to do, they had a different reaction to it. Elle would avoid at all costs if she could while Oliver embraced every moment he could get with her. Even though they both liked each other. It was so entertaining to read!
It’s Christmas vacation and Elle is ready to relax with her family. But the day before she is supposed to arrive, Elle discovers that her childhood neighbor and friend will also be in town for Christmas. Which she knows that both their mothers made happen. Elle signed up for a Christmas vacation, not a Christmas all out family matchmaking attempt. But she can’t back out from visiting her family now…
Oliver also discovers their mothers’ plan, but he finds out after he’s already made it there. However he isn’t upset about it. Oliver is ready to spend as much time with Elle as he can, even if it is just as a friend. But something about this time feels different, Oliver just hopes that it isn’t only in his head and Elle feels the same way…
October 26, 2021
4.5 stars, this was a really cute Christmassy boy-next-door romance. One thing I love about Summer Dowell's writing is she has this fun wit about her characters and creates adorable romantic moments that make you smile all while staying clean. Elle and Oliver are perfect for each other, only because Elle's family is so bent on that, she stubbornly denies any feelings for him. Coming home for Christmas, both families are determined to help the two realize the connection and Oliver is also brave enough to try. I loved all of the side characters as well as Oliver and Elle. In fact, I hope we get to see the other Carters' love stories unfold someday too.
There were so many just cute moments I could revisit and gush about. Elle was a bit stubborn, but I liked how she grew and came around. For being just over 100 pages, this story never felt rushed or like it was missing something, but was very much a complete and satisfying story.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel, but I also purchased the paperback since I enjoyed it enough to want a physical copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There were so many just cute moments I could revisit and gush about. Elle was a bit stubborn, but I liked how she grew and came around. For being just over 100 pages, this story never felt rushed or like it was missing something, but was very much a complete and satisfying story.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel, but I also purchased the paperback since I enjoyed it enough to want a physical copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 28, 2021
#BookReview: THE ELLE PROJECT: A Christmas Romantic Comedy Novella by Summer Dowell
The Elle Project is a cute boy next door Christmas romance. I am glad that even if it’s a novella, it’s not as short as I thought it would be. But I still wanted more. More of Elle and Oliver’s sweet moments. More of Elle’s loud but loving family. I can’t get enough of them.
Elle’s family can be dominating but they are hilarious. I like how they are so close and embrace Oliver’s family like their own. Their teasing is relatable. They are too much for Elle thus her opposition in dating Oliver. Oliver sounds like the perfect guy and loves her big family already. The ring, the making of the sticky toffee pudding and putting puzzle pieces together are my favorite parts of the book.
This is a clean and delightful story. The author always brings a heart to her stories. She’s one of my favorite authors for #romcom . 4 stars
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Elle Project is a cute boy next door Christmas romance. I am glad that even if it’s a novella, it’s not as short as I thought it would be. But I still wanted more. More of Elle and Oliver’s sweet moments. More of Elle’s loud but loving family. I can’t get enough of them.
Elle’s family can be dominating but they are hilarious. I like how they are so close and embrace Oliver’s family like their own. Their teasing is relatable. They are too much for Elle thus her opposition in dating Oliver. Oliver sounds like the perfect guy and loves her big family already. The ring, the making of the sticky toffee pudding and putting puzzle pieces together are my favorite parts of the book.
This is a clean and delightful story. The author always brings a heart to her stories. She’s one of my favorite authors for #romcom . 4 stars
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 14, 2022
Great Story!
This book was a fun read with lots of Christmas feels, snow, hot chocolate, and caroling. Elle and Oliver have been known each other all of their lives. There families have spent years trying to push them together. Elle has stood firm and resisted their relationship advice. Oliver has feelings for Elle but has never felt free to express how he feels to Elle because she hasn’t ever shown any interest in him.
Elle and Oliver begin to spend time on their own away from their family and they begin to discover maybe their family has been right all along.
If you want to read a story about a wonderful family that supports each other while also laughing out loud at the many hysterical and realistic characters, grab a cup of hot chocolate and get ready to relax and enjoy this delightful book!
This book was a fun read with lots of Christmas feels, snow, hot chocolate, and caroling. Elle and Oliver have been known each other all of their lives. There families have spent years trying to push them together. Elle has stood firm and resisted their relationship advice. Oliver has feelings for Elle but has never felt free to express how he feels to Elle because she hasn’t ever shown any interest in him.
Elle and Oliver begin to spend time on their own away from their family and they begin to discover maybe their family has been right all along.
If you want to read a story about a wonderful family that supports each other while also laughing out loud at the many hysterical and realistic characters, grab a cup of hot chocolate and get ready to relax and enjoy this delightful book!
December 18, 2021
All the hype for this book was spot on. I loved it. Contemporary girl next door perfection.
❄️Grow up as next door neighbors
❄️ Attraction since teenage years
❄️ Insecurities and pushy family make girl avoid boy
❄️Both unaware of feelings
❄️Family constantly pushing them together and teasing over the years making it awkward
🔥Lots of chemistry
Man, I loved Elle. I could totally relate to her. Big family. Too many pushy opinions. Not wanting to have everyone watch vulnerability. Talk about living your life in a fish bowl.
I loved Oliver too. So patient and respectful, but willing to lay it all out there.
They are a favorite couple of mine now. If you want a better than Hallmark read, pick this one up by @summers_pen. My kids kept asking me why I was smiling while I was reading.
❄️Grow up as next door neighbors
❄️ Attraction since teenage years
❄️ Insecurities and pushy family make girl avoid boy
❄️Both unaware of feelings
❄️Family constantly pushing them together and teasing over the years making it awkward
🔥Lots of chemistry
Man, I loved Elle. I could totally relate to her. Big family. Too many pushy opinions. Not wanting to have everyone watch vulnerability. Talk about living your life in a fish bowl.
I loved Oliver too. So patient and respectful, but willing to lay it all out there.
They are a favorite couple of mine now. If you want a better than Hallmark read, pick this one up by @summers_pen. My kids kept asking me why I was smiling while I was reading.
October 16, 2021
The Elle Project was a sweet Christmas story with plenty of laughs, a little flirting and a charming but meddlesome family. The bits of Christmas traditions sprinkled throughout this novella added the perfect amount of Holiday vibes! Elle was absolutely stubborn for most of the story, really making Oliver work hard to win her over with his charm and kindness. While Elle was somewhat annoyed by her family’s overbearing tendencies, I found them to be endearing and it gave the story a lot of humor and charm. I love a happily ever after ending and I won’t give details, but Elle and Oliver just might work things out by the end of this little romance novella!
December 3, 2021
If you are looking for a Christmas novella that is packed with angst, tension filled moments that give you butterflies. This is it! Though it is short in length, this book has it all. It was the perfect combination of pining and longing with a good humor that kept this light and fun. This is a book that will definitely stick with you well after you have read it because the characters are so charming and the story was just simply magical. And really Christmas is the perfect time to tell someone how you feel.
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