This was so cute. Donna Marchetti is 2 for 2 in my books. I honestly really enjoyed this story. There were moments that I felt were rushed romantically and the miscommunication trope is frustrating always. But I had fun reading this and I'm looking forward to more from Donna

What a fun idea! The banter is good, the timeline is hood and doesn’t feel rushed.

I wish the book was longer, that the proposal wasn’t so crazy and unrealistic. And it would’ve have more failed proposals.

Thanks NetGalley for the eARC

Thank you NetGalley for the E-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a fun book, I love a good enemies to lovers romcom and this really hit the mark. I really enjoyed the premise of Priscilla and Oliver having to work together to help their friends propose to one another and then that leads to them having to fake-date so it’s suspicious that they’re spending more time together. Priscilla and Oliver had great chemistry together and I really enjoyed reading their interactions. I do think there could have been some added tension from Malcolm, it felt like nothing was done with his storyline

Donna Marchetti’’s second romcom, The Proposal Project shows development from her debut. It’s very much in the trope-first vein, encompassing fake dating, forced proximity and an element of enemies to lovers.

FMC Priscilla is an events planner who is assisting her best friend Tina in proposing. MMC Oliver has a similar mission, and the high jinks proceed from there.

Event planning is quickly becoming an overused line of work for romcom heroines, and I didn’t find this the freshest or funniest take on the tropes, but the plot is pacey and the characters engaging.

4🌟
If you like the enemies to lovers, fake dating trope then this book is ideal for you.

From the moment the book starts you can tell who the love interest is going to be but in all honesty, I wouldn't want it any other way. I really enjoyed the rivalry between the 2 of them as they'd both been asked to help their best friends with their plans. It did get even better when they started working together though. It wasn't too much of a slow burn as things kept on happening between the 2 of them so it kept just the right pace!

Book Review: The Proposal Project by Donna Marchetti

⭐ 3.5 Stars
Format: eARC via NetGalley | Genre: Romance (Standalone)

⸻

Overview

If you’re looking for a feel-good, lighthearted romcom with a fun concept and just the right amount of chaos, The Proposal Project delivers. Donna Marchetti has written a sweet, slightly spicy story built on one of the most charming premises I’ve read in a while—a double proposal where both people are secretly planning to pop the question, but neither knows the other is doing the same. Honestly? Romcom gold.

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this eARC—I had a blast with it.

⸻

The Plot: 4.5/5

You want easy-breezy romcom? You got it.
This book leans into the fun with its proposal planning chaos, sizzling tension, and “I’m doing this for my best friend” energy. It’s not enemies-to-lovers, but the tension between Oliver and Priscilla right from the get-go is satisfying and believable. The stakes feel low in the best way, and the plot actually feels original, which is a win in this genre.

⸻

The Vibes: 4/5

Marching bands? Check. Flash mobs? Check. Cabin-in-the-woods hot tub scene? Double check.
It’s playful and fun, and the vibes are strong throughout. That said, I do wish we’d spent a bit more time on Priscilla’s journey with her business, it’s hinted at but not explored in full. And the whole situation with the head of a charity who thinks he can buy his way into her life and own her deserved way more of a takedown.

⸻

Main Characters: 3/5

Priscilla is a driven, loyal FMC who I wanted to love more than I did. She has her strong moments, but she overthinks a lot, and the entire love story hinges on a miscommunication from a year ago that just didn’t fully work for me.
Oliver, on the other hand, was a quiet standout, sweet, supportive, no-nonsense, and emotionally aware. Plus, great taste in both décor and partners.

⸻

Side Characters: 3/5

Tina brought the energy, but maybe a bit too much of it, she had zero boundaries, and the constant sex jokes got old fast. Ryan was… there.
Not super memorable.
But when the twist lands and you realise they’ve known from the start? I loved that. It made me appreciate them more in hindsight.

⸻

Emotional Impact: 3.5/5

Is it a literary masterpiece? No.
Is it a delightful one-sitting romcom binge with clever twists, cute moments, and a genuinely feel-good payoff? Absolutely.
This is the book equivalent of a Sunday afternoon romcom marathon, no stress, no tears, just good vibes and a satisfying ending.

⸻

Scene Stealer:

The ending.
The way everything comes together, full circle? It’s so satisfying and had me smiling like a fool.

⸻

Final Thoughts

The Proposal Project is a fun, fast-paced romcom with heart, humor, and a genius double proposal twist that makes the whole thing feel fresh. While not without its flaws, it’s exactly what you want when you need something light, sweet, and just a little bit spicy.

📖 Would I reread? No—but I’ll definitely read whatever Donna Marchetti writes next.
Would I recommend? Yes, especially to fans of Hate Mail or anyone who loves a good proposal story with some extra flair.

Thanks again to NetGalley and the publishers for the early copy!

*I’d like to thank NetGalley, One More Chapter, and Donna Marchetti for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

“The Proposal Project” by Donna Marchetti is a romantic comedy telling the story of Priscilla and Oliver. In this single POV novel, we follow Priscilla, a young woman just fired from her first big girl job, getting entangled with Oliver, her best friend’s boyfriend’s best friend — and a man she used to have a crush on before a conflict between them arose, dimming any sort of romance that might have flickered between them.

When Tina asks Priscilla for help while planning her proposal to long-term boyfriend Ryan, she doesn’t expect to encounter Oliver wrapped up in helping Ryan with his proposal to Tina. After some sabotage on both sides, Oliver and Priscilla decide to join forces and plan a joint proposal without their friends knowing. Due to circumstance — and having to explain why they spend so much time together — Oliver and Priscilla find themselves pretending to be dating. But pretend play and very real kisses quickly set dormant feelings between them both on fire.

This is Donna Marchetti’s second novel and the second time I picked it up for review. I have to say, I saw a lot of growth in Donna’s writing, which was a pleasant surprise. In comparison to Donna’s prior novel, this time around the entire story is told from Priscilla’s POV, which I think worked very well for this story. It’s not often that I feel that way, so take that as a compliment towards Donna’s writing and plotting.

I’m not going to lie — the premise of the plot does sound a little bonkers, but once you get to know the characters, especially Tina and Ryan, it starts to make sense very quickly. Personally, I found Priscilla to be very relatable. Being the one friend in the group who hasn’t fully found her footing in life yet, but is still loved and supported by her best friend, was a great testimony to girlhood. The friendship between Priscilla, Tina, Ryan, and Oliver was essential to the plot. I very much enjoyed the dynamic they had with each other. There’s a lot of banter between all of them, though when it comes to Priscilla and Oliver, the bickering quickly turns into a form of flirting.

Oliver was clearly a man with a mission when his life got entangled with Priscilla yet again. I think he took it as pure motivation to get with her when he overheard that no man had ever gone down on her. From that moment, his goal was set — and he worked hard to convince Priscilla that their relationship was more than just faking it for their friends. Be it the practice kisses or being forced into the same room in the cabin, he went full force without ever being forceful.

I loved how their dynamic was basically predetermined by their first encounter with each other. This book is yet another proof of what an essential trope miscommunication can be when done right. Oliver’s confession made me kick my feet.

And don’t even get me started on the steam. Though it’s more of a slow burn, when the pants finally come off, they are truly ripped off. We’re talking from the shower to the whirlpool to the king-size bed. I really appreciated that Donna focuses more on the sensuality in those scenes rather than being super graphic or grotesque. There’s so much sensual touch and tension building up to their first time together, and I was totally here for it. I have to say — this novel has some of the best kissing scenes I’ve read in a while.

The pacing made for a great reading experience. It didn’t feel stretched out, nor did it rush from scene to scene. Sometimes a scene lasted a bit too long in my opinion, but it didn’t impact my overall experience too much. The writing perfectly matched the vibe: romantic and fun. I’d say maybe in 10 years or so, some of the details might feel a little dated, but for now, it’s a really fun contemporary romcom that should definitely be on your TBR.

I did have some trouble with the overall premise of the proposal part of the novel. I know it’s supposed to be fun and humorous, but the over-the-top proposal was a tad too much for me at times. I also didn’t really get where Donna was going with the Malcolm plotline for Priscilla. In retrospect, it felt a bit unnecessary. But since it didn’t take up too much time in the novel, I can overlook it quite easily.

Overall, "The Proposal Project" has all that a contemporary romantic comedy needs. From the banter to the fake dating and forced proximity, there’s a lot to love in this novel. If you’re a romcom enthusiast and Donna Marchetti isn’t on your radar yet, you’re doing it wrong!

Planning a proposal for your best friends together?? What could go wrong??
This book was everything you can ever hope for in a romcom, from the flirting moments, the planning of a joint proposal, the funny moments between the characters, they were so cute

The enemies to lovers and the fake dating IN THE SAME BOOK?? Chefs kiss 🤌🏼🤌🏼
This is the type of book where you forget all your worries
Oliver is the type of character you want him as a book boyfriend

I had so much fun reading this
This is out on june 19th

Thank you so much to the publisher for the arc

Donna Marchetti’s The Proposal Project is a delightful rom-com that delivers all the beloved tropes—fake dating, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and even the classic one-bed scenario. If you’re a fan of witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and heartfelt moments, this book is a must-read.
The story follows event planner Priscilla Cain, who is tasked with organizing her best friend Tina’s dream proposal. But when Tina’s boyfriend, Ryan, seems ready to pop the question first, Priscilla finds herself teaming up with Ryan’s best friend, Oliver—who is both infuriating and undeniably attractive. Their secret collaboration leads to hilarious mishaps, unexpected sparks, and a journey that might just end in more than one happily ever after. Marchetti’s writing shines with humor and emotional depth. She masterfully balances the lighthearted chaos of wedding proposals with genuine character development, making Priscilla and Oliver’s dynamic feel authentic and engaging. While the premise leans into rom-com clichés, the execution is fresh and charming, ensuring that readers stay invested in the unfolding romance.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 4 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I couldn't put this book down – absolutely loved it.

Thank you Net Galley for the Arc 🫶🏻
——————

Firstly, I just want to say that I adore this cover!

The chemistry between all of the characters kept me hooked from start to finish. The storyline for me personally was very unique, as someone who has read a lot of romance, this is completely different to any I have read before.

I have to say this would have been a 5 star read for me if I hadn’t read the epilogue. Without spoiling it- after a year is wild to me!

Despite this, the book was so fun to read and offered a unique take on romance. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fast-paced, fun, easy read.

This is Donna’s second book, and after loving her first, I was looking forward to this.

It started off well and hit a few of the tropes I like such as fake dating/kind of enemies to lovers, slow burn. But towards the end the story fizzled out for me and I think I liked the build up more than the conclusion. The outcome was inevitable but the last chapter felt rushed.

I got a bit annoyed at the miscommunication between Priscilla and Oliver. If she had just spoken to him instead of assuming he was faking it all too, they could have been together much sooner!

It’s still a cute story which I think would be a great easy fluffy read between heavier books.

5★

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC of The Proposal Project 💌

I stumbled upon Donna’s book, Hate Mail last year which instantly became one of my favourite 5⭐️ reads so when I got approved for this ARC, I quite literally screamed.

This story follows Priscilla and Oliver who are rivals planning their best friends’ proposal. They’ve always been rivals since Oliver embarassed Priscilla when she drunkenly confessed that she’s “obsessed” with him. Now, Priscilla’s best friend, Tina, and Oliver’s best friend, Ryan are both planning to propose to each other. In a race to get their side to propose first, an unlikely secret alliance forms to execute the perfect proposal.

Reading about Oliver and Priscilla’s story brought me back to why I truly enjoy romance. This romcom will have you giggling and swooning like crazy! I loved how the romance was developed between our MCs and found myself holding my breath over the flirting and banter. I found the story and pacing of the book to be so well-written and I fell in love with all of the characters. I saw the ending coming and was thrilled with it since it pulled at all of my heartstrings.

If you love fake dating, forced proximity and enemies to lovers, you’ll enjoy this one! Such a sweet, cute, fluffy romance read for the spring or summer. The Proposal Project releases on June 19 💘

Thank you to HarperCollins & NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review

I fear my review won't be very constructive because the whole time i just felt like i was playing episode but in a book format

The Proposal Project was absolutely adorable. The dislike-to-love fake dating trope worked so well. Tina & Ryan were great secondary characters, they didn't fade into the background in comparison to Oliver & Priscilla. Oliver & Priscilla were so cute together, their feelings felt well developed throughout the pace of the book.

This is one of those books that will remind you why you love romance books. It's funny, sweet, and heartfelt. I actually connected Priscilla's career situation which allowed me to root for her from the beginning (literally felt like Donna followed me around and wrote about what happened in my career). Once Oliver enters the story I was all for them getting together. The shenanigans they get themselves into as the book goes on gives the perfect backdrop for enemies to lovers tension and banter. Such a great book for fans of that trope!

Cute grand dual proposals! I def didn't think Priscilla and oliver were going to pull it off

Priscilla is down on her luck and fired from her dream job when her friend Tina hires her to plan a proposal to her boyfriend Ryan. Tina wants it grand and loud. Oliver is also helping Ryan plan his proposal to Tina. Can they team up and surprise both Ryan and Tina?

Fake dating
Found family
Grand gesture

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

DNF @ 19%.

What didn't quite work for me:
- the FMC was super immature and unlikeable. She would get really angry at the MMC just because he said something cocky? I don't really understand.

Synopsis- Priscilla and Tina are best friends. Priscilla is an event planner, and Tina is ready to do a grand proposal to her boyfriend Ryan, who happens to be best friends with one of Priscilla’s enemies, Oliver. Princilla agrees to plan Tina's proposal but does not realise that Ryan and Oliver are planning a surprise proposal for Tina also.

Will they work together?

Tropes- Fake dating, forced proximity, meddling friends, one bed, enemies to lovers, cabin getaway, millionaire boss.

Spice Level- 3

The Proposal Project has summer rom-com vibes. It is an excellent read with a cocktail on the beach. If you are like me, with no holiday booked, garden vibes will do.

I enjoyed this book and completed it in a matter of days.

The characters are lovable and funny, the book cover is gorgeous.

Thank you for the advance copy.
Release dates:
Ebook/audio- June 27th 2025
Paperback-uk- July 3rd 2025
Paperback- US- November 11th 2025.

A cutie rom-com with all the classic tropes you know and love: fake dating, secret keeping, forced proximity. Pricilla and Oliver are helping plan proposals for their besties. They realize their forces would be better combined than separate. To pull it off, they fake date to account for the time spent together. Romance ensues!
Thad a great time reading this book. It was an easy read, but also was so fun to see all the extravagance. Obviously there's
miscommunication, but it was balanced well.
Definitely a bit spicy! All in all just a solid romcom with everything you want in it.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!