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Awwwkward...

Cover of The Proposal
A review of The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory

In Guillory's second contemporary romance the hero's best friend from book one (The Wedding Date) gets his chance to find love - even if he's convinced that he doesn't have the time or space in his life for it. 

Nikole Paterson is at a Dodgers game with her boyfriend of five months and not really thrilled about it. She's not the biggest fan of baseball and her boyfriend has brought a bunch of his dude-bro friends with him and Nik is a little bored. Her boredom turns to panic when her borfriend drops to one knee to propose to her and it's all playing out on the Jumbotron. Nik was already feeling ambivalent about her relationship, but seeing that said boyfriend has mispelled her name on the giant proposal on screen, she's sure she doesn't want to marry him. But what to do with thousands of people watching and urging her to accept? Nik hasn't a clue. Luckily Carlos Ibarra is nearby and he and his sister come to Nik's aid and help to get her out of the stadium before the camera crews can catch up with her.

What starts out as a kind gesture leads to sparks for Nik and Carlos. But neither is in a place to take on a new romance. Nik because this is a rebound and Carlos because he has too many other obligations and commitments in his life. So how about a no-strings fling? That's something they can both agree to since the attraction level between them is so high. Of course, nothing is as easy as that when it comes to matters of the heart and the complications ensue.

I'll admit that this one never quite lives up to the hook of the premise, but it's a fun, light read. Both protagonists are likable and the challenges they face in getting to their happy-ever-after are realistically done and totally relatable. So if you're looking for a pick-me-up for your end of the summer doldrums, this could be it. 

Aug 9, 2018