This charming story of unspoken love and second chances tugs at the heartstrings, delivering a delightful mix of humor, heartbreak, and swoon-worthy romance. Set against the backdrop of a cozy small town, it masterfully blends the tension of a friends-to-lovers trope with the sweet chaos of finding love where you least expect it.


The story follows Em, a spirited and determined heroine, as she embarks on a heartfelt journey to move on from her unrequited love for her best friend, Nick. Her seven-step plan to meet her soulmate is equal parts hilarious and relatable, setting the stage for awkward dates, heartfelt family moments, and Nick's increasingly obvious sabotage. Nick, on the other hand, is a wonderfully layered character torn between his fear of ruining their friendship and his growing realization that he can’t stand the thought of losing her to someone else.

The slow-burning romance between Em and Nick is both frustrating and captivating as they wrestle with their emotions and shared history. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the tension builds beautifully as Nick’s protective instincts and jealousy come into play.


The author does an excellent job capturing the complexities of long-time friendship and the fear of taking that next step. The dialogue is witty and heartfelt, and the supporting characters—especially Em’s family and friends—add depth and humor to the story. The New Year’s Eve bonfire as a recurring symbol of hope and renewal ties the story together in a meaningful way.


While the friends-to-lovers dynamic is well-executed, some readers may find Nick’s hesitance overly drawn out, leading to moments of frustration. Additionally, a few of the steps in Em’s "plan" could have been developed further, as some felt rushed or glossed over.


This book is a heartwarming reminder that the best love stories often start with friendship. It’s a sweet and satisfying read for fans of small-town romances and slow-burn love stories. The emotional journey of Em and Nick will leave readers smiling, sighing, and rooting for them to finally take the leap.

Readers who love friends-to-lovers tropes, small-town charm, and stories about taking risks for love. This is a perfect pick for curling up with on a cozy evening!

Reese Ryan is one of my favorite authors! She didn't disappoint me at all with this book. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I felt like I was in the book following the characters journey to love. I couldn't put my kindle down until I finished reading the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Although I had not read the first two books in the series, I found it easy to follow and engage with the story. The dual point of view was an excellent choice, as it allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of both characters and their perspectives.

In one of the chapters, there’s a reference to the movie Brown Sugar. It piqued my interest, so I actually took a break from reading to watch it—and I’m glad I did! It was a charming rom-com that perfectly complemented the book’s themes. Additionally, I paused to listen to Dua Lipa’s “Don’t Start Now,” which was a fun touch and really added to the mood.

Overall, I found this to be a highly enjoyable read and would definitely recommend it to others.

I enjoyed revisiting Holly Grove Island. This time we get up close and personal with Emerie and Nick. These two have been best friend and grew up together and actually have feelings for each other. They have taken vacations together and are always at each other homes along with family and friends. Everyone sees that they are made for each other. The last vacation that the two took together was when Emerie came to the realization that she was in love with her best friend Nick. At the New Years event Em decides to make her feelings known to Nick only to have Nick reject her. After the rejection Em was a bit upset but she got over it. Nick was the one who had a problem with it because he realized he also had feelings for Em. Em comes up her seven-step soulmate project. Everyone rallies around Em as she vows to find her soulmate within one year. She gets support from family and friends, a makeover, new wardrobe and joins a dating app with the intent of finding her soulmate who just so happens to be her best friend Nick. Nick has to come to senses and come to the realization that he and Em are the perfect soulmates. All in all, I enjoyed this final addition to the Holly Grove Island. Can’t wall to see what Reese has in store for her readers enjoyment next. Hopes it another awesome series.

I received an ARC via NetGalley and Forever Grand Central Publishing and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

I loved the return to Holly Grove Island and the friends from previous novels. I’m sad this is ending, because I would really like to see Kassie and Harrison’s HEA play out. Nick and Em occasionally needed a good dose of communication, but at the end I found their journey very satisfying.

Always enjoy a Reese Ryan novel and this book was perfect for a Sunday afternoon read. I'm not huge on a friends to lovers trope, but Reese turned this trope on into something I loved read. When you know how this story is going to turn out, watching what the characters think WON'T happen actually happen is fun.

This was a super cute friends to romantic partners book. I have not read the previous 2 books in the series, but don’t feel like I was missing anything without them- I do plan to go back to them. Story is a bit predictable but I don’t mind that in a romance novel! I enjoyed the character development and will definitely check out more of Reese Ryan’s books.

I had not read any of Reese Ryan's previous works so I didn't know what to expect. I really don't know why this book felt off to me. I have tried to pinpoint the reason. The writing style is fine. The story was okay. I guess it lacked anything special to set it apart from the thousands of other romance books out there.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Such a cute, sweet read! Friends to lovers is theme here. I felt the emotions that Em gave off as well as to Nicholas but I kept getting the feeling Nicholas did not want the change to happen for Em. I loved Em's makeover and how she decided to try new things. The spoken language was pretty spot between the two main characters. I loved how the story took time for the two main characters to figure things out. As I state before it was sweet, fun, cute read.

Go give it a go!

Nick and Em have been best friends since they were 12 years old. About 5 years ago on a trip to Mexico, Em realized her feelings . expanded to mire than friends. She battles the feelings and squelched her urges about moving beyond friendship until the fateful New Year's Eve when she professes her love for Nick. He's shocked at her announcement and even though he's battling the same feelings, he tells her friendship is all he wants.

She sets out, with the help of her best friend Kassie, her cousin, and of course her bestie Nicky to launch the "soulmate project". But as expected, Nick is overwhelmed with emotion. One thing leads to another and actions can't be undone. Will Nick profess his true feelings and they give love a chance or does Em proceed with the dating apps to find her soulmate? You're going to enjoy reading this one to find out.

It is part of a series but can be read as a standalone story. Although I received a free ARC ebook from Net galley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions expressed in the review are MT honest feedback.

You know where the story is going AND the journey is a delightful one because the author makes Em's journey about more than a man. Her journey is about building the life she wants and so she changes a lot in the process.

Nick was often frustrating but the author does a good job of helping the reader understand why Nick is acting the way he acts.

I read this book in one day at the beach and truly enjoyed the journey. Because of the additional depth of Em's journey, I'm rounding up from 4 stars to 5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of The Soulmate Project, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The Soulmate Project is available now.

Rejected by the love of her life, Emerie sets out on a plan to find happiness.
Her fake it til she makes it plan is often subtly sabotaged by her best friend/ love of her life.
It's a he doesn't want her and he doesn't feel like anyone deserves her type of read. I was not the biggest fan of Nick, his jealousy and ego were frustrating.
I appreciated how Emerie found the courage to try.

This was a cute read.
-small town romance
-friends to lovers

I was glad to go back to Holly Grove Island and visit with old friends, but we finally get to the romance that has been brewing since book 1. Emerie Roberts and Nick Washington, best friends since childhood and Soulmates whom a scared to mess it up. I like Emerie bravery to put it all on the line for love and my heart went out to Nick because he was afraid of not just loosing Em, but all of his friends. I especially love Kassie, the best ride or die any girl can ask for. Love and Friendship can concord it all.

the setup…
Emerie (Em) Roberts and Nicholas (Nick) Washington have been ride-or-die best friends since they were twelve years old. He’s sort of a footloose, relationship free kind of guy and she’s athletic, tomboyish and beautiful. But a few years ago, they went on vacation together and something shifted for Em and she realized her feelings for Nick had moved out of the friend zone. One of her good friends encouraged her to finally share how she feels with him and Em chose the annual Holly Grove Island New Year’s Eve bonfire to put it all out there. But Nick made it clear he didn’t feel the same way and wanted to remain besties. Devastated, Em decides it’s time to quit her crying and move on. She created The Soulmate Project, dedicated to reinventing herself to find a man willing to see her as a long term romantic commitment. Trouble is, Nick wasn’t exactly truthful with her that night at the bonfire.

the heart of the story…
I admired Em for being willing to be this vulnerable not only with Nick but their shared group of friends and family. They all could see that these two felt deeply for each other but knew they needed to find their way without them pushing. Em went all out, from a style makeover to joining dating sites and enrolling in activities that would enhance her opportunities, all the while still trying to get over her heartbreak. I was initially disappointed in Nick’s dishonesty but came to understand it was grounded in some pretty realistic and deeply rooted fears.

the bottom line…
This was a lovely and sometimes frustrating story of two people who had a remarkable friendship that turned to love but were terrified of destroying their relationship. Em was infinitely more patient and forgiving of Nick’s fence straddling than I would have been but she clearly admired and respected this man. I also love the Holly Grove Island community and the strong bonds between their friends and family. It certainly enriched the story and they gave subtle nudges at the best of times. Still loving the series though this one stands alone pretty well.

The Soulmate Project was sweet and filled with lots of lessons! This story focuses on besties Emerie and Nick who are clearly in love with each other. Only one is brave enough to admit how they feel while another is running scared. This of course caused a rollercoaster ride of miscommunications and misunderstandings that were a whole dumpster fire. Whew child, there were moments I wanted to throw the characters away because of these moments but it was really relatable and how things happen in real life. Loved the all characters and how relatable and honest they were. Great story over all! Would love to know how things turn out with Kassie and her boo. Bravo author!

We are back in one of my favorite fictional towns, Holly Grove Island. This time, we get to hang out with Emerie “Em” Roberts and Nicholas “Nick” Washington, best friends forever. The rest of the gang is also present: Dexter and Dakota from SECOND CHANCE ON CYPRESS LANE- Book1, and Sinclair and Garrett from RETURN TO HUMMINGBIRD WAY-Book 2.
Em and Nick’s friendship is at a crossroads. I loved the way that talented storyteller, Reese Ryan incorporated the familiar Friends to Lovers trope into a very compelling storyline. Em wants more; the more that she sees her friends and family have in their relationship with their significant others. Her friendship with Nick has been everything, but she desires so much more. After a confession of her love for Nick, he balks, and that sends a hurt Em on a mission to find her “Soulmate”. What I love is that Em makes it no secret what she is doing. She invites family and friends, and Nick to help her achieve her ultimate goal, and that is to find “the one”. The Soulmate Project is born with the help of her friend, Kassie. And… just what is this Soulmate Project? Well, fans, all I can tell you is that it involves a makeover (much needed, by the way) dating sites, and something called Love Potion Tea, provided by the all-wise Mama Mae.
One of my favorite scenes is the dance performance that Em performs with her dance partner to Dua Lipa’s Don’t Start Now, and the convos she engages in with her family members and friends. It leads to a sizzling encounter with Nick. The Epilogue ushers in a new year for our couple, and I can’t wait for you to read about it.
THE SOULMATE PROJECT is a heartfelt story about two relatable characters who navigate life as they face personal challenges all while developing an authentic connection that redefines their understanding of love. I highly recommend it for your reading pleasure.

This is a perfect Friday afternoon to read on the deck and enjoy a cocktail. I'm just finished The Soulmate Project and enjoyed being back on Holly Grove with these sweet romances.

I'm a friends to lovers fans and Emerie takes the leap to share that she's in love with her long time best friend Nick. Nick is surprised and while he has deep feelings for Em, he's afraid of losing his best friend so tells her he doesn't feel the same way. Em decides it's time to get serious about finding a soulmate and rallies her girlfriends to help her with her plan.

This is a sweet small romance. I really liked Em's friends and family! I was glad Nick finally realized that their friendship could transform into more. I really needed this sweet romance this week and I'm glad to see the past characters in this year series.

Thanks to Forever for my copy. The Soulmate Project came out Tuesday - October 8th.

The Soulmate Project by Reese Ryan is another small-town romance with charm by Reese Ryan.
I just love her writing. She crafted a small town romance that is not only meaningful but also profoundly touching and beautiful.

Thank You NetGalley and Forever for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Tired of waiting for her best friend Nick to reciprocate her feelings, Emerie devises a “Soulmate Project” to find love within a year. Nick, meanwhile, must confront his own feelings for Emerie before her plan drives them apart.

I loved this small-town friends-to-lovers romance. I appreciated Em’s open communication with Nick and also his struggles (due to past experiences) to avoid risking their friendship. The book has such a warm feeling about it that you can’t avoid getting drawn in. The characters are likable and relatable throughout.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I’ve read the previous two books in this series and have enjoyed it so far. So naturally I was excited to read this book.

Emerie and Nicholas have been best friends since childhood. On New Year’s Eve, she gets up the nerve to tell him that she has deeper feelings for him. Nick let’s Em down gently, telling her that he doesn’t see her that way. Afterwards, she decides to start on a journey to find her soulmate.

The truth was that Nick did have feelings for her but he was terrified that them getting involved would ruin there friendship. Now he has to offer her supply while she tries to find someone else to spend the rest of her life with.

These two were a little frustrating. Em was really just trying to find someone to take her mind off Nick. Nick couldn’t see what was right in front of him. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with Em. It just wasn’t clicking for him. Everyone around them saw what the two of them couldn’t.

This was such a good book. It was good to see the characters from the earlier books again. Friends to lovers is my favorite trope and this book did not disappoint. I hope there are more books in this series. I like the town and all the characters I have met.

5 star read