Sandy S.
THE DATING PROPOSAL by Lauren Blakely is a contemporary, adult, stand alone, erotic romance story line focusing on podcaster and app developer Chris McCormick, and fashion blogger McKenna Bell. NOTE: THE DATING PROPOSAL was originally released as Trophy Husband in 2013 but the author has re-written and reimagined the tale of Chris and McKenna. Told from dual first person points of view (Chris and McKenna) THE DATING PROPOSAL follows fashion blogger McKenna Bell, one year after her ex-fiancé dumped her the day before their wedding. In the ensuing time, our heroine has focused on her blog, never considering reentering the world of dating or love. When her friend’s cat knocks over her hard drive, our heroine will come face to face with her future. Enter Chris McCormick, the man with whom McKenna will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Chris and McKenna, and the potential fall-out as McKenna’s issues of trust come to the forefront when her relationship with Chris ventures into serious territory. Chris McCormick doesn’t do work-place relationships but watching McKenna Bell’s hilarious videos gave Chris an idea for his own struggling show. From friendship to lovers, Chris is willing to take the step from fun to something more, but it is the something more that frightens McKenna into remembering what was, and what may be. The relationship between Chris and McKenna is one of immediate attraction: their sassy back and forth conversations are flirty and fun; it is only a matter of time before the heart succumbs to love and a happily ever after. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. The secondary and supporting characters are an eclectic mix of family and friends, cats and dogs, and exes with their new found mates. We are introduced to Chris’s best friend Cooper, and his boss Bruce; McKenna’s sister Julia; friends Andy, Hayden and her daughter Erin. THE DATING PROPOSAL is a sexy and energetic story of romance and love. The premise is entertaining and seductive; the characters are lively and fun; the romance is captivating and desirous.
Roselyn Vazquez
I received an ARC of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review. The Dating Proposal was everything I hoped it would be and much more. Surfer geek, hot fashion blogger, music (oldies), Dr. Seuss, Q-Bert, Ms. Pacman, retro video games, holding a screwdriver for ransom, hardrives, orgasmic ketchup, first sip of Diet Coke, and karaoke. This book had it ALL!! McKenna and Chris were so much fun together. Meeting by chance, McKenna and Chris immediately hit it off forming a playful friendship. From that very first moment, they fell in into something natural that was much more than friendship. It was as if their souls immediately connected. Their conversations were honest, fun, and flirtatious. They found they had some things in common, such as their love for retro games and music. Unfortunately, another thing they had in common is that they both had trust issues. Both having had "bad luck" in past relationships and neither was looking to get involved in a serious relationship. I absolutely love McKenna. Despite having been left by her fiancé right before her wedding, McKenna had a positive outlook in life. She didn't dwell over the breakup. She picked herself back up, held her head up high, and move forward. This book was lighthearted with amazing relatable character making you wish Chris and McKenna were your BFF's. It is about taking a chance at love with someone who accepts and loves you for who you truly are. Chris and McKenna's relationship reminded me a little of the relationship between Finn and Kyler of Unzipped as both were relationships that began by a chance encounter, turned into friendship, which turned into love. Lauren Blakely is a a pre-order/one-click/must-own-in-all-formats author for me. SHE IS QUEEN OF ROM-COMS.
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Book Bruin Kim
I can always count on Lauren Blakely to deliver when it comes to romcoms! The Dating Proposal is a fun, low angst, and slightly taboo work place romance. Chris and McKenna are the perfect amount of nerdy and sweet together and they have such incredible chemistry. Their attraction to the other is instant and their easy going banter and playful innuendo set the stage for a delicious slow burn build up. I loved seeing these two toe the line between friendship/co-workers and more. I think the most refreshing thing about the book though is that these are mature adults who talk openly and honestly (for the most part) with each other. There might be a misstep or two, but they don't let it fester or explode into a huge deal. I really enjoyed the pop culture references (I will never look at Q*bert the same again!) and had a smile on my face almost the entire time reading this. Fans of Lauren Blakely are sure to love it too! *I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
1 person found this review helpful