rhisreadstxt's review
3.0
one thing about me is i'm always gonna stan jasmine guillory for a low stakes, kinda spicy romance TRUST
carlos ur so fine i want u
carlos ur so fine i want u
linabird03's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
catbooklover's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
katiehoover's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
oktoberopal's review
5.0
4.5 star I received an advanced reader copy from First to Read. I loved the Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory. So naturally I wanted to read Carlos' story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Proposal. It has all the elements of a feel good romance. It is a fun and enjoyable read. Nik and Carlos have great chemistry. Loved Nik's girlfriends, who were always straight forward with her, and Carlos' love for his family. Definitely worth picking up. It will put a smile on your face.
labocat's review
3.0
Got this as a blind book date billed as "hates: public proposals, loves: LA food tour", and that is...pretty much what we got. Side note, I am despondent that said bookstore I got this at is at the other side of the country, but alas. We can't have everything we want, which kind of feels like this book as well.
It's...fine? Romance novels for me are like snacks - I know I love them, I know what to expect, and I will probably eat the whole box/bag in one go if left alone for too long. This just didn't hit the spot for me - Carlos felt condescending at the same time we were supposed to like him because the narrative told us he's not like other guys and wasn't (while he acts like Nik doesn't know what she's talking about when she says she doesn't think food she doesn't like will be a problem at a taqueria -- full knowing she's from California and loves food (also she's right, they're things like jell-o, not about to show up in a taco any time soon)). It was cute but I didn't feel the connection between them until the very end, and even that got spoiled by the wildly overreactive fight they have at the climax.
It's...fine? Romance novels for me are like snacks - I know I love them, I know what to expect, and I will probably eat the whole box/bag in one go if left alone for too long. This just didn't hit the spot for me - Carlos felt condescending at the same time we were supposed to like him because the narrative told us he's not like other guys and wasn't (while he acts like Nik doesn't know what she's talking about when she says she doesn't think food she doesn't like will be a problem at a taqueria -- full knowing she's from California and loves food (also she's right, they're things like jell-o, not about to show up in a taco any time soon)). It was cute but I didn't feel the connection between them until the very end, and even that got spoiled by the wildly overreactive fight they have at the climax.
kaloughl's review
4.0
Again, super cute and Guillory hits it out of the park (lol). Sure, it's not the deepest book ever but it had me smiling the entire time and that is what I wanted. Nik is having the worst day of her life when her current fling/maybe boyfriend decides to publicly propose at a Dodger's game, despite the fact that they'd never even said "I love you" or talked about marriage. After turning him down, she is about to be harassed by press when Carlos and his sister Angela sweep in to save the day. Carlos is a doctor (and best friend of the male love interest in Guillory's first book, The Wedding Date). The two hit it off and start casually seeing each other as friends before things get steamy.
I love Guillory's approach to sequels. Each subsequent book feature the love story of a side character from previous reads. You don't need to know what happened beforehand and yet vigilant readers get little snippets and updates to the couples they loved before (in this case, Alexa and Drew). In The Proposal, I really appreciated that there was a more complicated approach to a relationship. Nik had been scorned publicly most recently but in fact, had a slew of bad boyfriends that really damaged her self esteem and ability to trust. I loved her best friends who guided Nik through all her mixed feelings and issues with so much love. They did feel a little rom com tropey at points, but Courtney was so cute and supportive as the Korean best friend (got major Ann Harada vibes) and Dana with her sporty and self assured presence. Once again, I found Guillory's inner monologues of the characters to be so HUMAN but therefore annoying with their self doubts and misreading of situations. I did feel like the past history of Nik and Carlos made the inner thoughts a little more understandable than in The Wedding Date, though which was a relief. Also, the book wrapped up a little too nicely in the end but alas, rom coms, you gotta love them!
I love Guillory's approach to sequels. Each subsequent book feature the love story of a side character from previous reads. You don't need to know what happened beforehand and yet vigilant readers get little snippets and updates to the couples they loved before (in this case, Alexa and Drew). In The Proposal, I really appreciated that there was a more complicated approach to a relationship. Nik had been scorned publicly most recently but in fact, had a slew of bad boyfriends that really damaged her self esteem and ability to trust. I loved her best friends who guided Nik through all her mixed feelings and issues with so much love. They did feel a little rom com tropey at points, but Courtney was so cute and supportive as the Korean best friend (got major Ann Harada vibes) and Dana with her sporty and self assured presence. Once again, I found Guillory's inner monologues of the characters to be so HUMAN but therefore annoying with their self doubts and misreading of situations. I did feel like the past history of Nik and Carlos made the inner thoughts a little more understandable than in The Wedding Date, though which was a relief. Also, the book wrapped up a little too nicely in the end but alas, rom coms, you gotta love them!
nd2712's review
5.0
I am just smiling like an idiot right now, clutching this book and praying that I don't wait this long again to read another Jasmine Guillory book. I loved it. I loved it so frickin' much.
When I read 'The Wedding Date' last year, I discovered this new love for romance books that don't have perfect female characters, women who are flawed, who are interesting and complex and eat FOOD! I got so hungry reading this book. Also, where are the real Drew's and Carlos's of our lives? I think I need to get me one of them. This novel is fluffy, it's romantic, it's gooey and delicious. Just think of it like a Lindt truffle. It's not good for you but who the fuck cares, it's AMAZING.
I've seen reviews of this book that say 'oh, it's just okay', but that's all I needed. It's a fluffy contemporary romance that doesn't have to say much or be top literary fiction. It'll make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, like you're curled in a blanket by a roaring fire. Also, I definitely shouted 'GIRL POWER' on several occasions- including when Nikole punched a douchebag in the face. It was awesome.
Now, I have a new favourite author. I can't actually wait to read 'The Wedding Party', which comes out later this year. Fizzing and bursting with diversity, positivity and light, 'The Proposal' is sweet as sugar and just as wonderful from the very first page.
When I read 'The Wedding Date' last year, I discovered this new love for romance books that don't have perfect female characters, women who are flawed, who are interesting and complex and eat FOOD! I got so hungry reading this book. Also, where are the real Drew's and Carlos's of our lives? I think I need to get me one of them. This novel is fluffy, it's romantic, it's gooey and delicious. Just think of it like a Lindt truffle. It's not good for you but who the fuck cares, it's AMAZING.
I've seen reviews of this book that say 'oh, it's just okay', but that's all I needed. It's a fluffy contemporary romance that doesn't have to say much or be top literary fiction. It'll make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, like you're curled in a blanket by a roaring fire. Also, I definitely shouted 'GIRL POWER' on several occasions- including when Nikole punched a douchebag in the face. It was awesome.
Now, I have a new favourite author. I can't actually wait to read 'The Wedding Party', which comes out later this year. Fizzing and bursting with diversity, positivity and light, 'The Proposal' is sweet as sugar and just as wonderful from the very first page.
smodderman's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
buntjuli's review
3.0
I don't read a ton of romance novels (not before this year anyway), but the cliches in this novel kept stacking up. It was very much middle of the road for me.