I ate this book up. I had so much fun reading how the MCs were going to get their best friends to propose. I love a good fake dating and forced proximity trope, and this book did it so well. There was little bit of miscommunication, but it was so well done that it didn't bother me like most books with this trope do. The proposal project is supper cute and fun, making me laugh out loud a few times. I thought that the ending to this book was super cute, and it pulled at my romance heartstrings. I'm so glad that I was given the ARC to read this book.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The cover of this book - absolutely gorgeous. The content… it wasn’t it for me this time. I enjoyed reading Hate Mail by this author, but something about the FMC, Priscilla, was so unlikable! I also didn’t like her best friend Tina - they seemed to bring out the worst in each other. They made slights at each other frequently, especially Tina, but then made a joke of it. It didn’t show friendships as they should be. The concept for the event planning and working with Oliver were great. However, it just got too out of hand! The budget for a proposal was insane and then there were so many parts that took away from the main characters and their storyline. Malcom was completely unnecessary in the entire book! He added nothing except for a level of creepiness that should’ve been there. This book felt heavy on this miscommunication trope and by the end, actions like Priscilla stroking off over nothing, were just too sophomoric. This book could’ve been done really well, and might be okay for a casual read, but the characters made the entire story unpalatable. 3⭐️, 2🌶

VERY CUTE ROMCOM💕🍨
I really enjoyed this Rivals to Lovers book about Priscilla and Oliver and how coming together to make a proposal plan for their best friends turns out to being their own cue to falling head over heels for each other without even realizing.
Another thing I enjoyed is how easy the writing is and how much it makes the experience of reading even better.
The joint proposal, the meetings and everything was a breath of fresh air and I’ll recommend reading this book when you’re trying to get a breath of fresh air enjoying a cute romantic comedy. You’ll laugh and definitely fall in love.

Thank you NetGalley for this beautiful ARC.

I am really bummed that I struggled with connecting with the characters and I felt like their banter was more of bickering.

I believe others are definitely going to love this book even if I struggled with connecting with the characters! This is definitely a fun romcom! The wedding planner aspect is really adorable!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC of The Proposal Project by Donna Marchetti

This book? Pure romcom serotonin. I devoured it like a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. Priscilla is a career-focused event planner who gets roped into organizing the "perfect" proposal for her best friend. Only problem? Her bestie’s boyfriend already has plans to propose—and he’s enlisted his best friend, Oliver, to help. Unfortunately for Oliver, Priscilla can’t stand him...at first. Cue dual secret proposal planning, fake dating, a one-bed situation, and a flash mob.

The chemistry between Priscilla and Oliver? Amazing. The pacing? Perfect. The vibes? So fun! I loved that Oliver was lowkey obsessed while Priscilla was too in her head to realize it. And thank the rom-com Gods because for once, there was no third-act breakup. Just a short temper tantrum with a quick turnaround of (say WHAT?) communication (!) I would have loved to have Oliver’s POV, but it's ok. I will survive.

(ARC provided by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and Netgalley) Review is my own.

tropes: fake-dating, enemies-to-lovers

This was just too immature for me, honestly. From the logical fallacy of MFC starting a 'business' on a whim to starting a business with the '6 figure' check a friend writes her, Priscilla's story is just really out there, and not a lot of fun.

Her constant sneers at Oliver also felt really juvenile and unncessary. The author tried to make her look quirky, but MFC just came out looking childish (the way an early 20's person might). You know how when you read AITA posts on reddit , you can IMMEDIATELY tell that the OP is in their early 20s, based on how they describe events, people and conflicts? That's what I felt with MFC. Just something I will not remember, and the romance, you can tell will not sustain because it's literally physical with no emotional connection between the leads.

Overall not the most fun read for me and I devour romance books.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for this copy.

Before reading, I was sure I was going to like this book. But after just a few chapters I realized I was completely wrong. And I feel bad that I didn’t enjoy it, but I just can’t.

The premise is interesting and sounds fun, but the story is a whole mess. My main problems were the characters. All of them.

Priscilla, the FMC, is SO childish. I actually couldn’t believe she’s in her 30s (I’m guessing, because their age isn’t stated a single time). The book opens with her arguing with her boss over a… tape dispenser? After she just got fired. Like, what? And why would her boss know that she wants it just because it’s shaped like a heel shoe? What kind of conversation is that?

I don’t wanna spoil too much, but she not only childish, but also extremely selfish. When she tries to get Oliver to stop Ryan from proposing she sounds like a toddler having a tantrum. And don’t get me started on the miscommunication between her and Oliver. Oh my God, grow up!

Priscilla’s best friend, Tina is not a good friend, I’m sorry. What do you mean she openly discuss Priscilla’s sex life in front of Ryan and Oliver, like ??? And the text messages she sent? I couldn’t stand it.

Oliver, well, he’s… there. I honestly don’t care about him? The single POV didn’t help. All his actions felt forced and there was a lot of telling instead of showing.

All in all, everything was just annoying. Also, the idea of a double proposal sounds fun in theory, but fireworks? A flash mob? What is that ???? How old are we?

There were also a couple of plot holes that were probably just thrown there to check some trope boxes because they were mentioned and never explained (the note book ?????).

I ended up skimming most of it, especially the end, because it got really boring and I just wanted it to finish.

I was a big fan of Donna Marchetti's debut, Hate Mail, so I was excited to read her follow-up, and The Proposal Project didn't disappoint. The two books are unconnected, but they do have in common the fact of being quirky rom-com concepts executed really well. This was a fairly quick, pacy read that I devoured last weekend, and it was everything I'd want in an example of the genre: interesting protagonists, great banter (Marchetti is particularly skilled at dialogue, I think, and it's really fresh and unique to the characters she's writing for, rather than being generic), and plenty of chemistry between the leads.

This is sort of a friends-enemies-rivals-lovers arc, with Oliver and Priscilla having initially hit it off before everything went south quickly. After a year or so of having to suffer each others' company (their respective besties being in love), everything comes to a head when the loving couple independently decide to propose to each other, and Priscilla and Oliver have to put their differences aside and work together so that their friends both get what they want. Cue some forced proximity, a bit of fake dating and plenty of awkwardness as well as a few revelations that might force them to re-evalute past encounters.

The perfect holiday read, would appeal to fans of Emily Henry and Lucy Score.

Priscilla and Oliver have always hated each other (maybe?). Now they are stuck together while planning a double proposal for their best friends; what could go wrong? Except that Priscilla's best friend, Tina, is a little suspicious about them spending a lot of time together, so what better cover-up for the planning than Priscilla and Oliver (fake)dating?

I couldn't put this book down. I loved the relationship between Priscilla and Oliver. The fake dating was so good, and I really appreciated that the miscommunication didn't lead up to a third-act-breakup. I also liked all the planning for the proposal and then "see" it happen. A perfect rom-com, just like I like it.

Thank you Netgalley for E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun book with the right amount of spice and plot to make it a fast paced easy read. It is a fake-dating, enemies to lovers trope however I will say I think it not really enemies to lovers more miscommunication and pretend I don’t have feelings for you.

I liked Oliver and Priscilla as a couple, I just felt the depth, the tension, the build up I usually love in a romance wasn’t as strong and I didn’t feel as connected to the characters. Overall, it was just missing something to make me absolutely love it but I still enjoyed reading it.

I think this would make a great read for romance lovers, who are looking for a perfect holiday or weekend binge read. Perfect if you want to giggle, smile and have fun with a book.

This author has a talent for getting me hooked on her stories, even though this book has a bit of the miscommunication trope, which isn't my favorite (that's why I didn't give it 5 stars). Oliver and Priscilla hate each other, but they were once friends. When they have to get together to plan the perfect event for their best friends, they end up pretending to be a couple to make the time they're spending together more believable. But, little by little, the lines start to blur, and the fake starts to seem more and more real. Pris and Tina weren't my favorite characters, but Oliver and Ryan are incredible. The story is very beautiful, and I found myself smiling at several moments in the book. And the hot is 🥵🥵🥵

Let's start my review with: I went over my usual bedtime to continue reading this book and I hated to turn off my laptop because I knew I had to be awake enough next morning to drive rather than finish this.

I loved Donna's book Hate Mail. Sure, I had some comments, but I thought it was a lovely read. The Proposal Project is just in line with what expectations I had. Donna has a witty way of writing her characters and making them come alive. They're not always realistic. Priscilla is a bit too interfering and pushy at times and Tina is a bit too 'ideal friend who came into money'.

The story had some flaws here an there. F.e. I would never write my friend a check with 6 figures just because - also Tina didn't seem like the kind of person who just had that lying aorund? And What happened with that rich guy who pursued Priscilla? Seems like that required some more follow up because he was stalkerish and in reality a man like that would never just leave a woman alone. Also, would've been an interesting story line in which Priscilla could show her prowess or Oliver be a hero.

Also, Priscilla and Oliver and their non-communication on their feelings trope - much like hate mail - annoyed me a bit. GIRL/BOI just talk. Even if it was about the initial 'obsessed' comment. I feel like Priscilla really took it to heart too quickly and didn't even change her attitude towards Oliver even when he showed he is just a precious puppy.

However, this story had me HOOKED ok. This was so rom-commy 2000s style I loved it. And Oliver and Priscilla were actually a great fit."

A super cute and fun fake-dating rom-com where the guy falls first! Priscilla and Oliver have great chemistry and banter in a story full of heart. Fans of Hate-Mail will love Donna’s latest novel!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!

A book for vibe readers who love enemies to lovers 🩷✨

I loved this book! Does it have plot holes? Yes. Did I eat it up? Definitely. This book had me giggling, laughing, crying.

The banter, the tropes, the writing- all amazing. I loved Donna Marchetti’s writing in Hate Mail, and this book lived up to that!

I was so excited to read this after loving hate mail! And boy I wasn’t disappointed. I loved this book so much and it was such a cute easy read between the fantasy I’ve been reading. I absolutely adore every single character in this book (minus Malcom) and the friendships between everyone was just the best. There was a little miscommunication however I still absolutely loved it. And Oliver. What a beautiful man he is! Him and Priscilla were so perfect together and honestly I just wanted them to hurry up and talk so they were together sooner. I absolutely adored the planned proposal and thought it was such a cute idea and a great way to bring Oliver and Priscilla together. I can’t wait to read more by Donna when she releases them!

another fun romcom from Donna Marchetti. Very lovable FMC and a lovely MMC. It’s a very quick and entertaining read with fleshed out characters and a quickly resolved 3rd act breakup!

Priscilla's been asked by her best friend Tina to plan her proposal but her boyfriend Ryan has had the same idea by asking his best friend Oliver to arrange his proposal. Only thing is Priscilla and Oliver can't stand each other and both plans are different

The Proposal Project was a quick and easy read. A really enjoyable book that had a sweet ending.

The building up of the relationship felt mostly believable and relatable which made it easier to read. I think I would have appreciated more of a villain or bad guy but also understand that wasn't the direction of the story.

The spice level was good, although it did feel like all the spice was somewhat confined to one section of the book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 | 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

The Proposal Project had such a fun and promising concept—I was instantly intrigued and excited to dive in! Priscilla and Oliver had some swoony moments and their banter gave glimpses of great chemistry. When the spark was there, it definitely added to their character development and pulled me back into the story.

This was a quick and easy read with a light touch of spice that felt just right for the vibe the book was going for. The character growth throughout the story was also really solid, especially as the plot moved forward. I appreciated that both Priscilla and Oliver had personal journeys woven into their romance.

That said, I did find myself struggling a bit to fully connect with the characters, and at times it felt like the plot lost its footing. The miscommunication trope played a larger role than I personally prefer—it’s one of those things that can work in small doses, but when it stretches too far, it starts to impact the emotional payoff for me.

Overall, I think readers who enjoy a character-driven, slightly spicy romance with charming banter and a unique setup will still find something to love here. It might not have hit all the marks for me, but it definitely had its sweet and engaging moments. 💕📖

Thank you again to NetGalley and Donna Marchetti for the arc💖. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you to NetGalley, One More Chapter, and Donna Marchetti for an ARC of The Proposal Project in exchange for an honest review.

The Proposal Project follows event planner, Priscilla Cain, when her best friend, Tina, hires her to help organise her proposal. The problem? Tina's boyfriend, Ryan, is planning a proposal of his own at the same time. Priscilla must team up with Ryan's best friend (and her nemesis), Oliver, to plan the ultimate joint proposal without either Tina or Ryan figuring out the truth.

This was a quick, fun, and easy read. I thought there were a lot of funny moments, and I had no problems getting through the book. The fake-dating aspect added a lot of hilarity as well. I just thought that Oliver and Priscilla fell in love pretty quickly, considering they didn't have that much of a relationship outside the few weeks they were planning the proposals.