Book Review: A Daring Proposition (Jennifer Greene)

Leigh Sexton is desperate to have a baby, and Brian Hathaway would be the perfect bio-dad. One of Chicago's most notorious playboys, Brian is no family man, which suits Leigh just fine. An heiress and successful CPA, she is more than capable of raising a child alone. Now all she has to do is work up the nerve to ask Brian to impregnate her...artificially. Leigh has no interest in conceiving the old-fashioned way, despite how her heart races whenever she's near him.

Brian is intrigued by Leigh's request. He's not into commitment, even with a woman as attractive as Leigh, but he's also not the type to make a deposit and then disappear. If he goes along with her scheme, he's got one demand of his own: marriage before conception. He agrees to keep things clinical—he can get sex elsewhere—but having a wife at home will keep the husband-hunters at bay.

It seems like the ideal compromise—until they start falling in love.

I hardly ever think contemporary romance genre is a worthwhile read, and whilst I appreciate being proven wrong, I am terribly disappointed I am proven right once again. The premise of A Daring Proposition sounds romantic and comedic enough to entice my interest, but it more than failed me.

I hoped for a good set of characters for this book, as the plot felt like something that can only orchestrated by strong characters. However, even that was a failure. While both the heroine was given sufficient background story to build up her present character, it was only one-sided ; hence the hero is as lifeless as a rock. Characterisation in the present tense is empty at best. The narrative is in the third person but is unconventionally one sided, so it not only feels unbalance, characterisation becomes searingly lifeless. Furthermore, although I think it could have been interesting how the narrative is used, it did not deliver.

The plot itself is nothing special. The premise, as I have mentioned, sounds particularly intriguing. However, while it does exactly what it says on the tin, it stops right there. There are no thrills, no surprises, no twists. There were hardly ever any notable scenes. The only thing that surprised me perhaps, is the fact that it is already a new scene, as my arc copy does not distinguish where one scene ends and another begins. There is also quite a lengthy monologue that is not only confusing but one that dragged on and transformed into annoying - despite ambling on and finishing the book, I wish I had not bothered.

Really a disappointing read, I'm afraid.

One star.


* Galley copy courtesy of Net Galley. 

Book Review: Exclusively Yours (Shannon Stacey)

When Keri Daniels’ editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.

Joe’s never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he’s intrigued to hear Keri’s back in town—and looking for him. Despite his intense need for privacy, he’ll grant Keri an interview if it means a chance to finish what they started in high school.

He proposes an outrageous plan—for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping and four-wheeling trip, Keri can ask one question. Keri agrees; she’s worked too hard to walk away from her career.

But the chemistry between them is still as potent as the bug spray, Joe’s sister is out to avenge his broken heart and Keri hasn’t ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe 2gether 4ever.

Exclusively Yours is more than just a romance novel; if I can label it a general love novel I might probably do. It's infused with so many different type of love that it really surpasses just being a plain ol' romance book. It's full of hearty laughter and family closeness, and is one of those books that are refreshing, light and funny in spite of the drama it portrays. Set in the middle of a two-week Kowalski family outing, Keri and Joe's story gives an endless source of pleasure, fun and love.

Keri and Joe are an absolute joy to read and reminisce with, their connected past a constant reminder of exactly how perfect they are together. It was fun reading about their high school adventures, and even more so whenever one is used to embarrass any one of the pair. The book provides a very extensive insight into their past, so the characters are not only well-developed, but are actually seen in terms of their connection to each other. The characterisation is full and strong and many actions both in present and in the past are well-explained, not only from one, but from many perspectives. There is something incredibly romantic with reunited lovers, and as far as any ex-couple can go, these two are a really good match.

Apart from Keri and Joe's romance, there is also the rest of the Kowalski siblings' story in this book. I love the secondary characters in this book.Exclusively Yours portrays very common, very realistic issues in marriages among the siblings. While there is the general happily ever after feel to the plot, it makes clear that the road to it is not smooth. Keri and Terry's relationship was also very very entertaining. I love how their interaction and dislike of each other was not overly exaggerated. Instead, the book focused on what brought them together. To add to all the fun, the sense of brotherhood and camaraderie shared by the Kowalskis is spotlighted and needless to say, it was a delight to indulge in that!

What I found to be slight issues with this book in particular is that though Keri and Joe are both wonderful characters, I felt their romantic potential was not well explored. There were a lot of moments where I thought the tension (in the romance) could be heightened. I do like the fact that it was not all lust and whenever scenes became steamy, it was not overly graphic. I felt that there was a lot of reliance on their past and I would have liked a lot more attention to their present and perhaps future. Also, I felt that the book dragged a lot, although of course I take this may be due to the confined setting of the camping grounds.

I enjoyed Exclusively Yours a lot and would recommend it to those who love contemporary romance.

Three stars.


* This E-book was obtained for review from Net Galley.