Happily Ever His
Submision Type
book
Logline
Small-town girl Tess is used to playing second-fiddle to her movie star sister, Juliet. But when Juliet comes home for their crazy Gran's 90th birthday bash pretending to be in a relationship with co-star Ryan (and Tess's ultimate movie star crush), Tess's simple life gets more complicated.
Genre
Funny,Family,Comedy,Romance
Short Summary
Tess Manchester is planning her nutty grandmother's 90th birthday party, and expecting her movie-star sister Juliet to arrive soon. She does, preceded by a security team and with a new boyfriend on her arm. Tess struggles with jealousy when she realizes who her sister's new guy is.
Setting
Small town, Maryland
Based on a True Story
No
Plot - Premise
Internal Journey/Rebirth
Plot - Other Elements
Happy Ending
Mature Audience Themes
Language/Profanity,Nudity
Main Character Details
Name: Tess Manchester
Age: 25
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Modest,Funny,Empathetic
Additional Character Details
Name: Ryan McDonnell
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Charming,Masculine,Sexy,Confident,Heartthrob,Gracious,Honorable
Additional Character Details
Name: Helen Manchester (Gran)
Age: 90
Gender: Female
Role: mentor
Key Traits: Badass,Adventurous,Complex,Engaging,Outspoken,Funny,Sarcastic
Additional Character Details
Name: Juliet Manchester
Age: 27
Gender: Female
Role: emotional
Key Traits: Charming,Sexy
Genre
DRAMA, COMEDY, ROMANCE
Brief
Tess prepares for her Gran's 90th birthday party. What she isn't prepared for is falling in love with her movie star sister's new boyfriend when they fly in for the party. Unfortunately Tess's sister, Juliet, chose Tess's sister ultimate movie star crush as Juliet's rebound guy from her nasty divorce. Tess's crush and Juliet's boyfriend, Ryan, struggles to stay true to his contract with Juliet for his career and his feelings for Tess for his future.
Overall Rating
EXCELLENT
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: EXCELLENT
Characterization: EXCELLENT
Commerciality: EXCELLENT
Franchise Potential: GOOD
Pace: GOOD
Premise: EXCELLENT
Structure: EXCELLENT
Theme: EXCELLENT
Accuracy of Book Profile
The logline perfectly encapsulates the narrative. The only difference between the profile and the story is that the short summary states that Tess is expecting Juliet and in the book it is described in the story that Juliet's visit is more of a surprise based on Juliet's lack of communication effort as a busy Hollywood star rather. In the short summary it states that she expects her sister to arrive.
Draw of Story
The characters are so well lived-in and deeper than expected. The inner conflicts match the external conflicts in a neat little puzzle of waiting for one character to find out a new piece of information which creates new problems or fixes other problems depending.
Possible Drawbacks
No resolution for the security guard Jack and Gran's chicken, Chess. It was very amusing side "romance" and the chicken isn't given a happy ending or included in the epilogue. It is a gap in the otherwise airtight narrative.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
The hook is that Tess has a huge crush on her sister's new boyfriend and he in turn is unable to control his feelings about Tess. Tess is unaware that her sister's relationship is for press and thinks that Ryan's trying to cheat on her sister like a sleazebag with Tess. Meanwhile, Tess's sister, Juliet, is secretly seeing one of her security guards to get over her divorce.
Fanbase Potential
This could have a huge fanbase as a fresh romantic comedy. The added layer of being true to oneself for all three characters in the love triangle is particularly appealing to the post-COVID people finding freedom away from the city and prioritizing family over career.
Awards Potential
As a romantic comedy this is unlikely to gain nominations for serious awards, but could definitely do well in the popular awards circuit.
Envisioned Budget
LOW BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
THE PROPOSAL, EASY A, FOREVER MY GIRL, STARSTRUCK, LET IT SNOW
What’s New About the Story
The romantic comedy is a fresh take on the fake romance trope. The resolution hits the perfect mark, but the characters' internal issues are slightly repetitive between the total family reveal and preparing for the party. By making Tony more of a consistent threat this would make this subplot more authentic to push Ryan to not lose Tess despite all the complications. Also the third love story of the chicken and the security guard is adorable and needs proper closure given how much it is mentioned.
Lead Characters
Tess is fiery and passionate but also filled with common sense. Ryan is conflicted and transformative with a lot of heart and respect for the Manchester sisters. He tows the line well navigating the complicated web of lies. Juliet is resilient and ultimately learns selflessness.
Uniqueness of Story
This is a rare gem of a romantic comedy in that is has a comforting trope but is filled with eccentricity and surprises. The character's inner conflicts and interpersonal development are intricate and well done. Everyone is dynamic and layered with good pacing based about the long weekend party.
Possible Formats
Film - Studio, Film - Streaming, Film - Indie
Analyst Recommendation
RECOMMEND