You’ll soon learn (like right now) that I am a book worm, and my favorite genre, my go-to, is, hands down, definitely romance! I have never, ever, met a love story that I didn’t like…actually, I take that back. I lied. I attempted the “Fifty Shades” trilogy and only got through the first book. Surprisingly, it just wasn’t for me. Part of me feels like everyone hyped it up so much that when I finally got around to it, my expectations were way too high. Therefore, they weren’t met.
But besides that, I think, I really have enjoyed every romantic book that’s crossed my hands. And my library, which I will call it that even though all my books are crammed into 5 (or more) gigantic Rubbermaid containers at my parents house, reflects that. Really. Pop open any of them and within a minute you’ll find a book with a heart-throbbing scene. Now, with that being said, they’re not ALL purely romance through and through. A couple (more like a handful) have no romance whatsoever, and with others, the romance is in the background, barely there. The rest though do focus on two characters falling in LOVE.
When I was younger, I used to be so embarrassed to admit that I read stories like that. Because so many people look down on you for it. When there’s nothing wrong with romance whatsoever! At least, in my opinion… I mean, at that point time, I was so worried about what other people thought about my reading material that, I kid you not, if I was in class or on the bus, I’d discreetly pull the book out of my bag, making sure my hand was glued to the front the entire time so it hid the steamy title and cover, which yes, normally had a scantily clad man and woman on it. And I would crack it open the barest amount, just enough to where I could read the lines. Like lawd have mercy they look over and see sexual words!
Now, I just don’t care! I like what I like, and I’ve actually learned so much from these stories, and no, I’m not talking about sex. I’m just talking about myself. About friendships. Relationships. Society. Science. History. Even Greek mythology! And so much more! I’ll tell anyone and everyone I read romance, and I’ll explain why they should too! While also recommending some of my favs, of course!
Which now includes a new one. I actually had a few other books lined up before my coworker suggested this series to me, so it took a little longer than I would have wished, now, to get around to it. But I did read it eventually, and I devoured it. I LOVED it! It’s called “The Proposal.” Not to be confused with the movie staring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, though that movie is fantastic too. This novel is written by Jasmine Guillory.
“The Proposal” is amazing in so many different ways. First off, it’s a contemporary romance, so, it takes places in today’s world. In a modern setting. The main character herself is an independent woman who’s got a career that she’s worked hard for and cares about. She’s no damsel in distress… well, kind of, but I’ll get to that in a second. She’s no maiden looking to be rescued either… well… ugh. Hang on. Let me summarize the plot for you quickly.
The story starts with Nikole, yes with a K, Paterson attending a Dodgers baseball game with her boyfriend, who happens to propose during said game…on the Jumbo-tron…with her name misspelled…in front of everyone…after just 5 months of dating. It doesn’t end well to say the least, and not only does she have to deal with the backlash from her ex, but she has to put up with the dirty looks and more from everyone else in the stadium. Enter Carlos, the knight so-to-speak, who is sitting behind Nik with his sister. They witness all the drama first-hand, and they quickly realize the vultures (aka cameramen) are circling. So, they swoop in to save the day. They whisk her away from the game and take her to a bar so she can meet up with her girlfriends to drown her sorrows, or more like embarrassment. After that, as they say, it’s history.
So, besides needing to be rescued in that sense, Nik isn’t your typical protagonist. She’s self sufficient. She is established. She’s got baggage. She’s got wonderful, loving friends. She’s REAL. She’s just lacking in the love department a little.
Did I also mention she happens to be African American? And her one girlfriend is a lesbian and the other Korean? And that Carlos is also a different race? How many romance books have up read with such diversity? But I mean really! This is the only book I can think of!
What I also love most about it, is how AUTHENTIC it is. The predicaments Nik finds herself in are situations I can easily see myself getting into as well! The interactions between all the characters are also representative of the real world. And, more importantly, the characters don’t fall in love just like that, at the snap of their fingers. Their tentative friendship turns into more as the story goes on. Of course, like with any love story, there are ups and downs!
More so, it’s empowering! I really want to go into more detail about that, but I also don’t want to give away any more of the plot. So, you’ll just have to read it to find out what I mean!
Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. There’s really so much to take away from this novel, this “silly” little romance! I would give it six stars out of five.
