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The Book Proposal: A bookish, second-chance romantic comedy
"A wonderfully real main character and a sparkling new voice. Every page is a rom-com lover's delight." —Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka, authors of The Roughest Draft and Do I Know You?
"With witty banter and a clever, self-aware plot, this romantic gem marks Micciche as a writer to watch." —Publishers Weekly STARRED Review
"Ridiculously endearing and entertaining, this debut rom-com...will have fans of bookish romances laughing out loud, unable to stop turning the pages." —Library Journal
"Full of laugh-out-loud passages, great characters who seem ready to walk right off the page, and some fun raunchy bits, this is a joy to read." —Booklist
DESPERATELY SEEKING FICTIONAL HERO FOR HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Broke up with, broke, and with a vicious case of writer's block, romance writer Gracie Landing is a hot mess. She can hardly be blamed for drinking one (or a few) too many cocktails when out with her besties in an attempt to cheer herself up. Sometime in the foggy wee hours, she recklessly emails her unrequited high-school crush, Colin Yarmouth, who is now a successful attorney harboring regrets of his own. When she receives an intriguingly friendly (not to say flirty) response, her acute embarrassment is overcome only by her fervent curiosity—what would a hottie like Colin be like as a grown up? The two forge an unlikely friendship that's unmistakably headed for more. Colin's tales of his own woeful break-up become fodder for Gracie's fertile imagination and her current work-in-progress takes off. With the deadline looming and her checking account dwindling, Gracie has no idea that borrowing Colin's story could wreak havoc on her life, her career, and her own chance at happily-ever-after...
"With witty banter and a clever, self-aware plot, this romantic gem marks Micciche as a writer to watch." —Publishers Weekly STARRED Review
"Ridiculously endearing and entertaining, this debut rom-com...will have fans of bookish romances laughing out loud, unable to stop turning the pages." —Library Journal
"Full of laugh-out-loud passages, great characters who seem ready to walk right off the page, and some fun raunchy bits, this is a joy to read." —Booklist
DESPERATELY SEEKING FICTIONAL HERO FOR HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Broke up with, broke, and with a vicious case of writer's block, romance writer Gracie Landing is a hot mess. She can hardly be blamed for drinking one (or a few) too many cocktails when out with her besties in an attempt to cheer herself up. Sometime in the foggy wee hours, she recklessly emails her unrequited high-school crush, Colin Yarmouth, who is now a successful attorney harboring regrets of his own. When she receives an intriguingly friendly (not to say flirty) response, her acute embarrassment is overcome only by her fervent curiosity—what would a hottie like Colin be like as a grown up? The two forge an unlikely friendship that's unmistakably headed for more. Colin's tales of his own woeful break-up become fodder for Gracie's fertile imagination and her current work-in-progress takes off. With the deadline looming and her checking account dwindling, Gracie has no idea that borrowing Colin's story could wreak havoc on her life, her career, and her own chance at happily-ever-after...
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,065 reviews
January 21, 2023
Let me start by saying I really wanted to like this book. The blurb sounded cute and I love books about writers, especially someone writing a romance novel. The duel perspectives of Grace and Colin I didn't really enjoy. For me personally to enjoy a dual perspective book I need to still feel like the book is unfolding around me instead of being narrarated AT me. Having multiple perspectives is I guess not my thing unless it's perfectly executed. Also the female lead in the book "sharts" herself 9% into the story. I don't know if this was an attempt at humor but it felt super immature and completely irrelevant to the story. I mean I can laugh as much as the next person at embarrassing moments that make characters seem more "human" but this just left me scratching my head. Before we even really know who Grace is, what makes her tick? What endears her to the reader? She craps her pants in a completely non funny way, right away? Maybe I have just gotten too picky over the years but things like this feel silly and make me want to quit reading which is exactly what I did. Take my review with a grain of salt since I only made it about 20% in before deciding to hop back on my TBR list and find something new. The other 80% may have been amazing I couldn't get past the "Alfredo fart".
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
July 4, 2023
As soon as I saw the beautiful cover and read the blurb promise me sweet-lighthearted romcom materials, I quickly requested an arc to explore this book!
It was still enjoyable. Best parts were absolutely e-mail correspondences between characters. Gracie was trainwreck in the beginning of the story: suffering from writer’s block and painful break up push her drinking her sorrows away! Unfortunately she drank too much sorrows away, ended up writing a drunk- email to her high school crush Colin Yarmouth who is also suffering from disastrous divorce ( Yeap; his ex cheated on him and as a consolation gift she gave him STD )
The next day Gracie wakes up with extra tormenting hangover and acute embarrassment What was she thinking? But luckily, Colin writes her back in a polite and friendly tone. They eventually find themselves write to each other. The e-mails turn into phone calls and meeting outside. They are meant to be.
But when Gracie decides to use Colin’s real life experiences for her next book, she realizes she accidentally ruined everything in their relationship and career. Can she fix everything she’s done? Can they still have a chance of HEA?
I liked characters and entertaining writing style. Only thing stopped me to give four stars was rushed ending. The book actually needs additional 3 to 5 chapters. And epilogue is also necessary. Gracie and Colin’s story finished so abruptly. We need to spend more time with them.
That’s why I’m giving semi satisfied three stars! I hope there’s a chance that KJ Micciche may write additional chapters to resolve loose ends.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
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It was still enjoyable. Best parts were absolutely e-mail correspondences between characters. Gracie was trainwreck in the beginning of the story: suffering from writer’s block and painful break up push her drinking her sorrows away! Unfortunately she drank too much sorrows away, ended up writing a drunk- email to her high school crush Colin Yarmouth who is also suffering from disastrous divorce ( Yeap; his ex cheated on him and as a consolation gift she gave him STD )
The next day Gracie wakes up with extra tormenting hangover and acute embarrassment What was she thinking? But luckily, Colin writes her back in a polite and friendly tone. They eventually find themselves write to each other. The e-mails turn into phone calls and meeting outside. They are meant to be.
But when Gracie decides to use Colin’s real life experiences for her next book, she realizes she accidentally ruined everything in their relationship and career. Can she fix everything she’s done? Can they still have a chance of HEA?
I liked characters and entertaining writing style. Only thing stopped me to give four stars was rushed ending. The book actually needs additional 3 to 5 chapters. And epilogue is also necessary. Gracie and Colin’s story finished so abruptly. We need to spend more time with them.
That’s why I’m giving semi satisfied three stars! I hope there’s a chance that KJ Micciche may write additional chapters to resolve loose ends.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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October 3, 2023
A rom-com that some might enjoy.
When Gracie Landing was in high school, she had a huge crush on her classmate, Colin Yarmouth who gave her nickname, Elvis, which stayed with her through the school years.
Years later, Gracie is a romance novel writer but she is suffering from writer's block and can't seem to finish her next novel after her fiancée left her for their impregnated wedding planner. A late night with her girlfriends and after having too much to drink, she contacts Connor via email which she doesn't remember doing until the next morning.
Connor, an estate attorney, is shocked to receive an email from Gracie. He remembers her from high school. Lately, his life has not been the greatest. He is recently divorced and this has impacted his life in more ways than one.
After exchanging multiple emails with Gracie, Connor feels happier than he has been in a while. When he learns she is an author, he offers to read her latest manuscript. Later on, he spills the beans about his failed marriage and encourages Gracie to use it in her book.
What starts as emails, leads to phone calls, which turn into in-person meetings and dates. The pair seem very happy with each other until an unlikely development.
I had fun reading this one. Both of the characters were entertaining and having both POVs helped with their romance growth. However, I did feel that both, and especially Gracie acted immature for their age group which created unnecessary drama.
3/5 Fangs
Cliffhanger: No
A complimentary copy was provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
When Gracie Landing was in high school, she had a huge crush on her classmate, Colin Yarmouth who gave her nickname, Elvis, which stayed with her through the school years.
Years later, Gracie is a romance novel writer but she is suffering from writer's block and can't seem to finish her next novel after her fiancée left her for their impregnated wedding planner. A late night with her girlfriends and after having too much to drink, she contacts Connor via email which she doesn't remember doing until the next morning.
Connor, an estate attorney, is shocked to receive an email from Gracie. He remembers her from high school. Lately, his life has not been the greatest. He is recently divorced and this has impacted his life in more ways than one.
After exchanging multiple emails with Gracie, Connor feels happier than he has been in a while. When he learns she is an author, he offers to read her latest manuscript. Later on, he spills the beans about his failed marriage and encourages Gracie to use it in her book.
What starts as emails, leads to phone calls, which turn into in-person meetings and dates. The pair seem very happy with each other until an unlikely development.
I had fun reading this one. Both of the characters were entertaining and having both POVs helped with their romance growth. However, I did feel that both, and especially Gracie acted immature for their age group which created unnecessary drama.
3/5 Fangs
Cliffhanger: No
A complimentary copy was provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
February 1, 2023
The tldr: This book was a whole mess.
This book was an ARC I received for my honest review (thank you to Netgalley) and usually with ARCS I try really, really hard to find something kind to say even in instances where I don’t particularly like the book. So, in the spirit of that, I’ll say a few things: The idea behind this book is fun and is what prompted me to agree to review it. I like the concept of a romance author being kinda bad at love herself–it’s a cute trope, if unoriginal in and of itself–and I like romance books where there is a rekindled crush. I also work in publishing myself, so I am particularly keen on books which focus on the behind-the-scenes of publishing in some way, so that was a perk for me. I even liked the plot twist/conflict in this book (which I won’t spoil here, but it worked for me in theory). So, the skeleton of this book? Cute, fun, romantic, I dig it.
Thats…about where the good things I can say end, lmao.
Listen, I don’t want to be unnecessarily harsh here, so here is my brief (but decidedly non-exhaustive) list of things I found abominable, to put it mildly:
* The number of fart and poop jokes in this book is absolutely DERANGED. About three seconds into this book, the main character basically shits herself while on a jog. I can only assume that the author was trying here to make the protagonist seem funny, relatable, a real girl-of-the-people, but friends, it did NOT work. I cannot state this enough: I never want to read the words “Alfredo Shart” in a book, romance or otherwise. And it didn’t end there??? Repeatedly, over and over again, the reader is subjected to the MC’s gastrointestinal distress. I repeat: this is cringey and I hated it. It felt so awkward and out of place. It felt juvenile. It did not work. Where was the editor? SOS.
* Speaking of juvenile: This book reads like YA in many, many ways (not just because of the farts) but it is NOT Young Adult–the characters are in their 30s. They are whole ass adults acting like immature teenagers.
* Relatedly, the ENTIRE story happened over the course of 10 days. The MC’s hang out like once before deciding to “make it official” and the rest of the entire plot happens over a week? This time frame was…bananas in anycase, but even moreso in the world of NYC dating. Source: I have long suffered the NYC dating scene.
* In this vein, I had to keep asking myself: What 30-year-old in their right mind is still obsessively thinking about a crush she had in high school?
* One thing that really grated my nerves (and maybe because this is a particular trigger for me, I’ll admit that) was that the author describes the MC as being about 5’6 and 145 pounds, and then proceeds to act for the entire rest of the book as though this character is “big” or “curvy” with repeated mentions of her love of food, her appetite, the fact that she is not tiny, and so on. I would be remiss in my feminist duties to not point out that 145 pounds at 5’6 is at MOST, incredibly average, but is in all probability quite slim. Be so fucking for real: Why was this mentioned as a detail? If you want the reader to imagine a curvy or chubby character then just say that, do not subject me to your absolutely inaccurate view of what "fat" is, lol.
* There are repeated jokes about STDs and specifically herpes which is both problematic and also just not funny?
* Colin has actually incredibly problematic views of women. Big yikes.
* I didn’t believe their romance because I couldn’t understand why they even liked each other? Neither of these characters was likeable for me, but beyond my personal opinion of them , I didn’t really feel like the author did a very good job of making me believe that they had any good reasons to like each other. They barely knew each other, seemed to have nothing in common, and for some reason fell into this whirlwind romance based purely on the fact that they used to know each other in high school and both were out of other shitty relationships? ?????????????
I could go on, but I think we get the picture. Good idea, bad execution, it happens.
This book was an ARC I received for my honest review (thank you to Netgalley) and usually with ARCS I try really, really hard to find something kind to say even in instances where I don’t particularly like the book. So, in the spirit of that, I’ll say a few things: The idea behind this book is fun and is what prompted me to agree to review it. I like the concept of a romance author being kinda bad at love herself–it’s a cute trope, if unoriginal in and of itself–and I like romance books where there is a rekindled crush. I also work in publishing myself, so I am particularly keen on books which focus on the behind-the-scenes of publishing in some way, so that was a perk for me. I even liked the plot twist/conflict in this book (which I won’t spoil here, but it worked for me in theory). So, the skeleton of this book? Cute, fun, romantic, I dig it.
Thats…about where the good things I can say end, lmao.
Listen, I don’t want to be unnecessarily harsh here, so here is my brief (but decidedly non-exhaustive) list of things I found abominable, to put it mildly:
* The number of fart and poop jokes in this book is absolutely DERANGED. About three seconds into this book, the main character basically shits herself while on a jog. I can only assume that the author was trying here to make the protagonist seem funny, relatable, a real girl-of-the-people, but friends, it did NOT work. I cannot state this enough: I never want to read the words “Alfredo Shart” in a book, romance or otherwise. And it didn’t end there??? Repeatedly, over and over again, the reader is subjected to the MC’s gastrointestinal distress. I repeat: this is cringey and I hated it. It felt so awkward and out of place. It felt juvenile. It did not work. Where was the editor? SOS.
* Speaking of juvenile: This book reads like YA in many, many ways (not just because of the farts) but it is NOT Young Adult–the characters are in their 30s. They are whole ass adults acting like immature teenagers.
* Relatedly, the ENTIRE story happened over the course of 10 days. The MC’s hang out like once before deciding to “make it official” and the rest of the entire plot happens over a week? This time frame was…bananas in anycase, but even moreso in the world of NYC dating. Source: I have long suffered the NYC dating scene.
* In this vein, I had to keep asking myself: What 30-year-old in their right mind is still obsessively thinking about a crush she had in high school?
* One thing that really grated my nerves (and maybe because this is a particular trigger for me, I’ll admit that) was that the author describes the MC as being about 5’6 and 145 pounds, and then proceeds to act for the entire rest of the book as though this character is “big” or “curvy” with repeated mentions of her love of food, her appetite, the fact that she is not tiny, and so on. I would be remiss in my feminist duties to not point out that 145 pounds at 5’6 is at MOST, incredibly average, but is in all probability quite slim. Be so fucking for real: Why was this mentioned as a detail? If you want the reader to imagine a curvy or chubby character then just say that, do not subject me to your absolutely inaccurate view of what "fat" is, lol.
* There are repeated jokes about STDs and specifically herpes which is both problematic and also just not funny?
* Colin has actually incredibly problematic views of women. Big yikes.
* I didn’t believe their romance because I couldn’t understand why they even liked each other? Neither of these characters was likeable for me, but beyond my personal opinion of them , I didn’t really feel like the author did a very good job of making me believe that they had any good reasons to like each other. They barely knew each other, seemed to have nothing in common, and for some reason fell into this whirlwind romance based purely on the fact that they used to know each other in high school and both were out of other shitty relationships? ?????????????
I could go on, but I think we get the picture. Good idea, bad execution, it happens.
August 28, 2023
you know i just had to give a review on this amazing masterpiece!! i love how the book is funny, romantic, cute, and also very real ( based on the gassy situation 😭 , like fr she is too relatable and funny ) it was a fast paced story and lemme tell u, it was still marvellous. all i can say is that i adored this book !!💗💗
January 29, 2023
When I saw that this was a book about a romance author and her unrequited crush from high school teaming up to write a novel I immediately hit request. This was a fun and light rom com but unfortunately some elements missed the mark for me.
This book had such an intriguing premise but the execution fell short. My biggest problem was that while the lead characters were 30 plus year old adults, they acted like teenagers. When the heroine encountered a similar situation in the third act as she did at the start, she behaved in the exact same way which seemed like a missed opportunity for me as I would’ve loved to witness some character growth from her. While the characters had history, their romance in the present was a lot of tell rather than show. I didn’t feel the chemistry between them and their relationship felt superficial.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2 stars
This book had such an intriguing premise but the execution fell short. My biggest problem was that while the lead characters were 30 plus year old adults, they acted like teenagers. When the heroine encountered a similar situation in the third act as she did at the start, she behaved in the exact same way which seemed like a missed opportunity for me as I would’ve loved to witness some character growth from her. While the characters had history, their romance in the present was a lot of tell rather than show. I didn’t feel the chemistry between them and their relationship felt superficial.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2 stars
August 10, 2023
2.5 Stars
Full disclosure: I laughed.
This would have been better as a YA novel given the absurdity of the main character. She was a hilarious train wreck but it didn't fit in well with her age. Guys, she literally pooped her pants while trying to let a fart eke out quietly...I did however find the email communication between Gracie and Colin witty and entertaining. I think there was a degree of crassness that many people will find gets in the way of the adult romance. I also didn't really find their romance all that swoony and Colin's actions were immature and off putting. I think the absolute winner in this is the narrator who played Gracie. She utterly nailed this and I think more than anything it was her portrayal of Gracie that I was laughing at. If you like immature fart humour and wisecracks about STDs then this will certainly entertain you. Just okay for me.
Full disclosure: I laughed.
This would have been better as a YA novel given the absurdity of the main character. She was a hilarious train wreck but it didn't fit in well with her age. Guys, she literally pooped her pants while trying to let a fart eke out quietly...I did however find the email communication between Gracie and Colin witty and entertaining. I think there was a degree of crassness that many people will find gets in the way of the adult romance. I also didn't really find their romance all that swoony and Colin's actions were immature and off putting. I think the absolute winner in this is the narrator who played Gracie. She utterly nailed this and I think more than anything it was her portrayal of Gracie that I was laughing at. If you like immature fart humour and wisecracks about STDs then this will certainly entertain you. Just okay for me.
October 16, 2023
The Book Proposal is a gem. A hidden gem. My first read by Miss Micciche and I already looking forward for her next book. The story is funny. Hlarious. Colin is perfect hero without so much drama or brooding. Grace is a heroine who I can relate. Yes her behavior sometimes is immature and childish but hey, all of us is not perfect. We have many insecurity from our up bringing and our past.
The banter is cute and sweet. No graphic sex scenes and yet I still feel entertained. The twist about Colin's ex is simple and yet fitting. Not much un necessary drama.
4 stars
The banter is cute and sweet. No graphic sex scenes and yet I still feel entertained. The twist about Colin's ex is simple and yet fitting. Not much un necessary drama.
4 stars
May 28, 2023
They really just let anyone write books these days
May 20, 2023
3.75 Stars
Gracie is a hot mess. She was recently dumped and struggling for money. To cheer herself up, she got drunk with her friends. In her drunken haze, Gracie thought it would be a brilliant idea to email her old high school crush, Colin. Even though it wasn't the friendliest email, Colin was intrigued and emailed Gracie back. Soon they were emailing each other daily.
This was cute and fun. However, I didn't care for Gracie's immaturity and irrationality. I understand it was to add conflict to the story, but it felt forced and unnatural. Other than that, it was an entertaining read. I would recommend it to fans of contemporary romances.
***Thank you to NetGalley, K.J. Micciche, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for graciously sending me the ARC to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
Gracie is a hot mess. She was recently dumped and struggling for money. To cheer herself up, she got drunk with her friends. In her drunken haze, Gracie thought it would be a brilliant idea to email her old high school crush, Colin. Even though it wasn't the friendliest email, Colin was intrigued and emailed Gracie back. Soon they were emailing each other daily.
This was cute and fun. However, I didn't care for Gracie's immaturity and irrationality. I understand it was to add conflict to the story, but it felt forced and unnatural. Other than that, it was an entertaining read. I would recommend it to fans of contemporary romances.
***Thank you to NetGalley, K.J. Micciche, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for graciously sending me the ARC to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
May 26, 2023
Gracie Landing is having a rough go of it. Her ex-fiance is marrying their former wedding planner, she needs money, and she is suffering from writer's block. So after one too many drinks, she messages her old high school crush, Colin, whom she hasn't spoken to in 15 years. He responds, and after some friendly back-and-forth banter and tales of Colin's romance issues, Gracie begins to write Colin's story. But will they fall in love in the process?
Unfortunately, the premise was cute, but the execution was a hot mess.
If the author didn't tell you, you would never know these characters are in their 30s. All the characters in this book are some of the most immature characters I have ever read. The sheer amount of fart/poop jokes is astonishing. The female lead sharts herself at the beginning of the book. If that wasn't enough, there were several jokes regarding STDs. None of it is funny. The dialogue also feels very young. None of it worked for me.
Further, the characters have zero chemistry. The entire plot takes place over the course of 2 weeks. You have no time to fall in love with them as a couple. Further, both of them are terrible, and I didn't care what happened to them.
Colin and his terrible friend have some very problematic views of women. The way they spoke about women was gross and cringey.
The fact that I read this entire book should win me an award.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, the premise was cute, but the execution was a hot mess.
If the author didn't tell you, you would never know these characters are in their 30s. All the characters in this book are some of the most immature characters I have ever read. The sheer amount of fart/poop jokes is astonishing. The female lead sharts herself at the beginning of the book. If that wasn't enough, there were several jokes regarding STDs. None of it is funny. The dialogue also feels very young. None of it worked for me.
Further, the characters have zero chemistry. The entire plot takes place over the course of 2 weeks. You have no time to fall in love with them as a couple. Further, both of them are terrible, and I didn't care what happened to them.
Colin and his terrible friend have some very problematic views of women. The way they spoke about women was gross and cringey.
The fact that I read this entire book should win me an award.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2023
Oh my goodness--this is KJ Micciche's debut, and it freaking SPARKLES. (I've never described a book that way, but it's true!) While I do love romance, it's not the main genre I read, but Micciche is officially an auto-buy for me after this fantastic debut. Her humor is so raw and honest, but she's so funny that even when it's cringe-worthy, I don't mind. I loved how authentic her characters were, and how we could see how they were perfect for one another in all the ways that make them unique. I also am a writer, so I loved that her main character was an author struggling to get a book written! I'd give this more than 5 stars if I could!
February 16, 2025
DNF 9%. I reached the words “Alfredo shart” and knew I was done. This book is gross. Even before this particular scene, there was more than one poop joke and the descriptions of people are body-shamy. It felt like a 12 year old boy wrote the book rather than a romance between 30 something’s. It’s a no from me and I will not be returning.
January 11, 2024
everyone comment a page number between 1 and 370 and I'll be able to give you the cringiest line ever I'm not even joking it was like a 14 year olds wattpad story😬
May 23, 2023
I would like to thank NetGalley, KJ Micciche and the publishers for providing me with a free ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
The first thing that Gracie did when she found out that her fiancé and wedding planner are having a child together, she goes out with her two best friends, and drinks away her pain. Harmless, right? Not that harmless when she recklessly emails the boy who she had a massive crush on throughout all of high school, on his work email of all! Collin is now a divorced attorney who finds humor in Gracie's email and decides to reply by sending a much nicer email of his own. After emails of getting to know each other, Gracie tells Collin about her major book deal which can set her finances straight ahead. Collin decides to help Gracie by giving her his opinions on her writing material, but what he doesn't know is that the male love interest is solemnly based off of him, and that Gracie might have also been the person who sent him the many anonymous love letters in high school.
I went into thins book thinking that I was going to read this fluffy romance book about an author with the second chance trope. I was a bit wrong about that. I didn't really feel any connection towards the characters and because of that, it took me really long to finish it. The plot was all over the place! There were just things being added to the plot which created a lot of unnecessary drama and I feel like the author was so focused on creating a plot and development that she forgot some small elements that were mentioned in the very beginning of the book, which I thought would have to do with them getting to know each other better. Did he ever find out about who the sender of the letters was? It's these small observations that really caught my attention.
I felt like they were moving a bit too quickly. They skipped many stages of a relationship and, once again, the drama was really not needed. Sometimes a simple fluffy romance book is better that a kind of spicy book with a lot of drama for book content.
This definitely wasn't one of my favorite books that I've read this month but that's simply my opinion. Many people will think otherwise and that is ok!
The first thing that Gracie did when she found out that her fiancé and wedding planner are having a child together, she goes out with her two best friends, and drinks away her pain. Harmless, right? Not that harmless when she recklessly emails the boy who she had a massive crush on throughout all of high school, on his work email of all! Collin is now a divorced attorney who finds humor in Gracie's email and decides to reply by sending a much nicer email of his own. After emails of getting to know each other, Gracie tells Collin about her major book deal which can set her finances straight ahead. Collin decides to help Gracie by giving her his opinions on her writing material, but what he doesn't know is that the male love interest is solemnly based off of him, and that Gracie might have also been the person who sent him the many anonymous love letters in high school.
I went into thins book thinking that I was going to read this fluffy romance book about an author with the second chance trope. I was a bit wrong about that. I didn't really feel any connection towards the characters and because of that, it took me really long to finish it. The plot was all over the place! There were just things being added to the plot which created a lot of unnecessary drama and I feel like the author was so focused on creating a plot and development that she forgot some small elements that were mentioned in the very beginning of the book, which I thought would have to do with them getting to know each other better. Did he ever find out about who the sender of the letters was? It's these small observations that really caught my attention.
I felt like they were moving a bit too quickly. They skipped many stages of a relationship and, once again, the drama was really not needed. Sometimes a simple fluffy romance book is better that a kind of spicy book with a lot of drama for book content.
This definitely wasn't one of my favorite books that I've read this month but that's simply my opinion. Many people will think otherwise and that is ok!
January 12, 2023
Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Sarah Hogle, The Book Proposal by KJ Micciche is full of snort-laughs and the most endearingly bonkers situations. Gracie, a romance novelist (fun!), is a relatably messy heroine who accidentally (read: drunkenly) emails her former high school crush. When he actually replies, the two get off to a rocky start before realizing that they both really enjoy the person the other has become. When Colin has a proposal for her that will help solve the writer's block she's currently experiencing, it seems like she's going to get the guy and the job! But when the past rears its ugly head and their new worlds intersect in the most unforeseen and chaotic way, they both learn that the only way to grow from the past is to woman up and face it head-on.
Gracie is the perfect heroine for anyone who remembers high school less than favorably, and her journey to shed her past self and trust in the woman she can become inspires. Colin, for his part, is swoony, sweet, and oh, so charming--exactly how we all hope our crushes turn out to be.
With down-to-earth main characters, well-developed side characters that often steal a scene, and a plot that keeps a quick and exciting pace, The Book Proposal was an absolute joy to read.
Gracie is the perfect heroine for anyone who remembers high school less than favorably, and her journey to shed her past self and trust in the woman she can become inspires. Colin, for his part, is swoony, sweet, and oh, so charming--exactly how we all hope our crushes turn out to be.
With down-to-earth main characters, well-developed side characters that often steal a scene, and a plot that keeps a quick and exciting pace, The Book Proposal was an absolute joy to read.
January 27, 2023
I'm so glad I decided to request an advanced copy of this book because I think it's my favorite read of 2023 so far. This was my first book by this author and now I want to check out whatever else they've written!
Gracie is a budding romance novelist who is trying to complete one more manuscript for her agent when her personal life falls apart and she stops believing in a HEA. On a drunken night of commiseration with her girlfriends, she returns home only to send a drunken email to her unrequited high school crush, Colin. To her shock (and horror!) the next morning, she finds an email from him in response to her scathing email. The two reconnect through emails and finally in person and all is going amazingly well....until Gracie is encouraged by Colin to use his real life experiences for the inspiration to help her finish her manuscript, and oh boy does the plot get fun after that!
This book was fast paced and full of witty dialog and lots of humor. I loved Gracie because she totally reminded me of myself as a teenager - shy, a bit nerdy and totally crushing on a boy from afar. Her reaction to not only getting to correspond with her teenage crush but then actually becoming his girlfriend was probably my favorite part of this book. I just really loved Gracie's quirky humor and outlook on life. Also, the secondary characters in the book were fantastic - so many great ones and they all gave me so many laughs. Really enjoyed this rom-com - 100% recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Gracie is a budding romance novelist who is trying to complete one more manuscript for her agent when her personal life falls apart and she stops believing in a HEA. On a drunken night of commiseration with her girlfriends, she returns home only to send a drunken email to her unrequited high school crush, Colin. To her shock (and horror!) the next morning, she finds an email from him in response to her scathing email. The two reconnect through emails and finally in person and all is going amazingly well....until Gracie is encouraged by Colin to use his real life experiences for the inspiration to help her finish her manuscript, and oh boy does the plot get fun after that!
This book was fast paced and full of witty dialog and lots of humor. I loved Gracie because she totally reminded me of myself as a teenager - shy, a bit nerdy and totally crushing on a boy from afar. Her reaction to not only getting to correspond with her teenage crush but then actually becoming his girlfriend was probably my favorite part of this book. I just really loved Gracie's quirky humor and outlook on life. Also, the secondary characters in the book were fantastic - so many great ones and they all gave me so many laughs. Really enjoyed this rom-com - 100% recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 10, 2023
I really liked the beginning and thought it was funny, but then it got a little too much with all the fart jokes. I'm totally fine with some potty humor, but it was literally in every chapter. I'm sorry, but the words "alfredo fart" does not belong in a romance book. It just felt like the author was trying way too hard for it to be a comedy.
I felt like I couldn't connect with the characters. Gracie and Colin were annoying and immature for characters aged 30+. There was no witty banter between the two and seemed like no real chemistry either.
Gracie drunkenly emails her high school crush (Colin) when she gets home from drinking away the fact that her ex fiance (who cheated on her with their wedding planner) just had a new baby with said wedding planning. Colin is also newly single, divorced after 6 months of marriage. Gracie and Colin then converse over small, one line emails a few times until one day they decide to meet up and chat. Gracie and Colin's relationship felt lacking to me. They email about absolutely nothing, yet fall madly in love within ((days)). That is until it all falls apart.
Sadly, this just wasn't for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for a free audio of The Book Proposal in exchange for my honest review.
I felt like I couldn't connect with the characters. Gracie and Colin were annoying and immature for characters aged 30+. There was no witty banter between the two and seemed like no real chemistry either.
Gracie drunkenly emails her high school crush (Colin) when she gets home from drinking away the fact that her ex fiance (who cheated on her with their wedding planner) just had a new baby with said wedding planning. Colin is also newly single, divorced after 6 months of marriage. Gracie and Colin then converse over small, one line emails a few times until one day they decide to meet up and chat. Gracie and Colin's relationship felt lacking to me. They email about absolutely nothing, yet fall madly in love within ((days)). That is until it all falls apart.
Sadly, this just wasn't for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for a free audio of The Book Proposal in exchange for my honest review.
April 21, 2023
This was a dramatic, ridiculously fun and sexy debut romance that involves a romance author with writer's block drunk texting her high school nemesis and somehow becoming friends.
Recently dumped just before her wedding, Gracie's life is a bit of a mess and she's finding it hard to write about happily ever afters when she no longer believes they exist. With a huge book deal on the line though, she ends up getting help from her old enemy turned new texting buddy, Colin, who helps her come up with the plot for her new book drawing on his own love life disaster with his ex-wife.
Unfortunately this backfires in an unexpected way leaving Gracie unsure if she'll have a career to revive or not. Ironically, while Gracie writes steamy love stories, this book was actually a closed door romance with not too much actual on page spice between the MCs. I didn't mind too much though because I found myself constantly laughing at the crazy things Gracie said and did!
Overall a super fun debut with memorable characters and I for one will be eagerly awaiting this author's next book! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Recently dumped just before her wedding, Gracie's life is a bit of a mess and she's finding it hard to write about happily ever afters when she no longer believes they exist. With a huge book deal on the line though, she ends up getting help from her old enemy turned new texting buddy, Colin, who helps her come up with the plot for her new book drawing on his own love life disaster with his ex-wife.
Unfortunately this backfires in an unexpected way leaving Gracie unsure if she'll have a career to revive or not. Ironically, while Gracie writes steamy love stories, this book was actually a closed door romance with not too much actual on page spice between the MCs. I didn't mind too much though because I found myself constantly laughing at the crazy things Gracie said and did!
Overall a super fun debut with memorable characters and I for one will be eagerly awaiting this author's next book! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
October 9, 2023
2-1/2 stars, rounded up
Gracie grew on me as the story progressed, and I started enjoying the flirtation between her and Colin. And I enjoyed reading about her writing. I liked the idea of Colin becoming her beta reader and the two of them getting closer and becoming a team that way.
BUT. I had a big issue with I also had a problem with a twist that was just too obvious from too far away
The ending dragged out a bit long as well, or at least it seemed that way since I was just over the story by the final quarter.
Honestly, this was a solid 2 to 2-1/2 stars for me. I rounded my rating up partly because I'm in a good mood (day off from work!), partly because there was a decent amount of cuteness and chemistry in the story, and partly because Colin's mom and his company's office manager, Daisy, were awesome older woman characters.
Romance writer Gracie Landing's life is a seesaw. On the downside, her ex-fiancé got their wedding planner pregnant and married her instead. On the upside, Gracie has a shot at a really good book deal -- if she can churn out roughly an entire novel in two weeks. Meanwhile, her high school crush, Colin Yarmouth, has just gotten divorced after his wife realized she loved another woman. When Gracie drunk-emails Colin, he shocks her by responding, politely. Might their correspondence lead to better things for both of them?Reading this book was a seesaw for me. I didn't enjoy Gracie's portions at all for the first couple chapters, because she's disorganized and a mess in a way that was stressful for me so rather than feeling comic, it just ticked me off. Colin's chapters calmed me down because he was just enough more on top of things that my aggravation would wear off a little. I think this was more me than the book (although looking over the other reviews, I'm not the only person to feel this way).
Gracie grew on me as the story progressed, and I started enjoying the flirtation between her and Colin. And I enjoyed reading about her writing. I liked the idea of Colin becoming her beta reader and the two of them getting closer and becoming a team that way.
BUT. I had a big issue with I also had a problem with a twist that was just too obvious from too far away
The ending dragged out a bit long as well, or at least it seemed that way since I was just over the story by the final quarter.
Honestly, this was a solid 2 to 2-1/2 stars for me. I rounded my rating up partly because I'm in a good mood (day off from work!), partly because there was a decent amount of cuteness and chemistry in the story, and partly because Colin's mom and his company's office manager, Daisy, were awesome older woman characters.
March 11, 2023
Thank you so much to Source Books Casablanca for the ARC of The Book Proposal. If you are looking for a cute, witty, intelligent, fun, lovey-dovey, drama-induced yet not over the top book, this is for you! I loved the email conversations Colin and Gracie were constantly sharing after reconnecting years later! I feel that nowadays, quick texts are so impersonal and even though it’s extremely convenient, a letter whether it being by mail or email, makes it personal. Receiving full on conversations are so heartwarming and that’s what these 2 characters had! It gave me great vibes! It made me think about the time that I spoke to my high school crush years after high school! I totally related to Gracie’s freaking out emotions and expressions of, “I can’t believe this is happening!” If you know, you know!
April 26, 2023
Before anything else, I want to thank the publisher for providing me with an Arc of this book. Unfortunately, I have to say that it was a major disappointment.
The writing style was honestly terrible, and it made reading the book an extremely cringey and uncomfortable experience. The author attempted to inject humor into the story, but the jokes just fell flat or made me feel awkward. Plus, the main female character was downright insufferable, and the main male character was nothing more than a bully gym bro.
I tried my best to get through the book, but I just couldn't do it. I had to DNF it at around 40%. The characters were unrelatable, and the plot seemed to be going nowhere.
All in all, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. It was bad, plain and simple. If you're looking for a good read, look elsewhere.
The writing style was honestly terrible, and it made reading the book an extremely cringey and uncomfortable experience. The author attempted to inject humor into the story, but the jokes just fell flat or made me feel awkward. Plus, the main female character was downright insufferable, and the main male character was nothing more than a bully gym bro.
I tried my best to get through the book, but I just couldn't do it. I had to DNF it at around 40%. The characters were unrelatable, and the plot seemed to be going nowhere.
All in all, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. It was bad, plain and simple. If you're looking for a good read, look elsewhere.
Read
May 16, 2023This book had me laughing out loud at times. Some of the thoughts Gracie has are hilarious. The romance was cute but I felt that both characters, particularly Gracie, were written as immature and childish. I loved the idea of the second chance romance with a high school friend but it never felt like they actually got out of high school. Still, other parts were cute and I enjoyed the banter between Gracie and Colin. A quick, fun read.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and @Dreamscape_Media for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and @Dreamscape_Media for an honest review.
May 11, 2023
As I’ve said many times, I love books about authors. This one didn’t disappoint! I liked that it was a sort of second chance but also maybe just a new chance since they didn’t really like each other in high school. The blast from the past couple is super cute and the way they help each other makes it a super cute romance.
🌀Synopsis
Gracie is recently single and that leads to drunken shenanigans with her friends. In her drunken stupor she sends a text to an old high school classmate. She’s embarrassed…until he responds.
The two start talking consistently and Gracie even trusts him enough to let her read the rough draft she’s working on. As they get to know each other again they decide it’s time to see each other in person. Colin keeps helping her with her book and the two develop a cute romance.
Unfortunately, the plot of the book relies a lot on Colin’s old relationship and his crazy ex. That ex who happens to be Gracie’s publisher. When she’s dropped by the agency and convinced her career is over it causes a rift between her and Colin.
Things look up right away though and Gracie realized just what a big mistake she made with Colin. She’s going to use her writing abilities to fix it!
🌀Synopsis
Gracie is recently single and that leads to drunken shenanigans with her friends. In her drunken stupor she sends a text to an old high school classmate. She’s embarrassed…until he responds.
The two start talking consistently and Gracie even trusts him enough to let her read the rough draft she’s working on. As they get to know each other again they decide it’s time to see each other in person. Colin keeps helping her with her book and the two develop a cute romance.
Unfortunately, the plot of the book relies a lot on Colin’s old relationship and his crazy ex. That ex who happens to be Gracie’s publisher. When she’s dropped by the agency and convinced her career is over it causes a rift between her and Colin.
Things look up right away though and Gracie realized just what a big mistake she made with Colin. She’s going to use her writing abilities to fix it!
March 1, 2023
I received an ARC of this from NetGalley and I was excited because the premise really intrigued me. I love a romance author struggling with love only to find love in the end.
Unfortunately, my excitement dwindled very quickly and was completely gone around the 10% mark when the main character actually sharted herself. There's essentially a story in the story here because Gracie's book goes into immense detail leading to long paragraphs that don't really serve a purpose. It was just extremely frustrating to read this entire thing. Gracie was cringey from the start, and I'm not sure if it was supposed to make her seem relatable or quirky but it just missed the mark. I did not need pages of her shaving herself for a date and proceeding to cut herself and bleed all over her bathroom.
Colin was boring and completely uninteresting and had some questionable morals.
And the whole thing took place in a matter of just over a week? I'm sorry ... what?
Plus, I found the whole "wrote him secret erotic love letters" a little out there because she was supposedly 14 when it happened, maybe it's just me but they were supposed to be these well written letters that she left and he was excited about, which okay I'm sure getting a sex note at 14 made him happy, but I don't know it just didn't do anything for me. You're a child at that point.
I wanted to like this so bad but, for me, the whole thing was just a mess.
This may be someone's favourite book, and for that I am so happy, because finding something you love is exciting and gives you the warm and fuzzies, but this one wasn't it for me.
It took me forever to trudge through this.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, my excitement dwindled very quickly and was completely gone around the 10% mark when the main character actually sharted herself. There's essentially a story in the story here because Gracie's book goes into immense detail leading to long paragraphs that don't really serve a purpose. It was just extremely frustrating to read this entire thing. Gracie was cringey from the start, and I'm not sure if it was supposed to make her seem relatable or quirky but it just missed the mark. I did not need pages of her shaving herself for a date and proceeding to cut herself and bleed all over her bathroom.
Colin was boring and completely uninteresting and had some questionable morals.
And the whole thing took place in a matter of just over a week? I'm sorry ... what?
Plus, I found the whole "wrote him secret erotic love letters" a little out there because she was supposedly 14 when it happened, maybe it's just me but they were supposed to be these well written letters that she left and he was excited about, which okay I'm sure getting a sex note at 14 made him happy, but I don't know it just didn't do anything for me. You're a child at that point.
I wanted to like this so bad but, for me, the whole thing was just a mess.
This may be someone's favourite book, and for that I am so happy, because finding something you love is exciting and gives you the warm and fuzzies, but this one wasn't it for me.
It took me forever to trudge through this.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2023
Gracie is a successful romance novels writer, but not so successful in her love life. So one day she gets drunk and emails Colin, her high school crush, dissing him. After being surprised, Colin starts to get curious about Gracie and they start to email each other back and forth. She ends up asking Colin to help her with the new book she's writing and he enthusiastically helps Gracie. But when feelings start to develop, a mistake breaks them apart, leaving both devastated, so the only way to save their relationship is for Gracie to write the book of her life.
It's a fun story about two unhappy people, that find happiness, love and light in each other. I just loved Gracie's sense of humor! I really recommend this book if you like snort laughs while reading.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this ARC, especially to Sourcebooks Casablanca for granting my wish and allowing me to read this book. The opinions above are my own and given freely.
It's a fun story about two unhappy people, that find happiness, love and light in each other. I just loved Gracie's sense of humor! I really recommend this book if you like snort laughs while reading.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this ARC, especially to Sourcebooks Casablanca for granting my wish and allowing me to read this book. The opinions above are my own and given freely.
January 3, 2023
A fun read that will have you in stitches! I was at the beach reading and would let out a loud laugh, and people would stare. I didn't care. It was that good! I finished in 2 days which is "I can't put it down" for me.
February 27, 2023
Gracie is "every girl" - or at least the girls I want to be friends with! KJ's writing is funny, smart, and honest. I mean, who isn't gassy after too much fettucine alfredo?!? This is a fun story and a book you will stay up late reading "just one more chapter". Loved it!
June 9, 2023
2.5 - I kinda hated them both?
June 5, 2024
I have never rated a book 1 star but it just had wayyyyyy too many cringe moments. the final straw for me is when she said “i think i need to poop” ……
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