The Proposal

The Westmorelands #21

by Brenda Jackson

The moment he met Bella Bostwick, Jason Westmoreland wanted her--"and" the land she'd inherited. With one convenient proposal, he could have the Southern beauty in his bed and her birthright in his hands. If only Bella would say yes....

Genres: Romance, Harlequin, Harlequin Desire, African American Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook

ebook

First published June 1, 2011

About the author

In 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.

In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.

In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.

Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book was ok but definately felt like something was missing!

This really didn't 'feel' like a Brenda Jackson novel. Ms Jackson's writing is very distinctive and I usually love her material especially the Westmorelands but really felt this was like many other Harlequin novels and could have easily been written by anybody. I suppose with this many in a series I am bound to come across some that I don't like or not overly impressed with :( The storyline was ok but I really didn't feel the spark between Jason and Bella. I am not entirely sure that I liked Bella as she seemed rather childish and did not think or behave like a 25 year old should have done.

I love the Westmoreland series and really hope that the next one is better than this.

[Angela Stubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick,steamy romance

[Mary Calton Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another married Westmoreland!

I'm enjoying the Westmoreland Denver cousins. The author has an engaging manner to draw me into the stories. As with other series that she has written, I just keep reading and being entertained.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

the narration so much better then previous book
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed: 06-08-18

The Westmorelands have been a staple of my reading for many years. When they went to audio I was excited to listen. This was the first that I have listen to on audio that I felt a connection with the narrator.This narrator got the fact that there were cultural differences in the pattern of speech. The males sounded like males. There was feminine quality to the females. This one was a success from the start.

The Proposal was one of convenience for both parties involved. They both would get what they wanted, at the time, out of the deal. But as with most marriages of convenience there was a lack of communications and things started to drift for the couple. Jason and Bella were no different. Their chemistry together was off the charts but their communication with each other not so much. Jason get his HEA. On to the next Westmoreland...

[JigsawGirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to that audio Book and again felt that the narrator didn't have much to work with here. I think he did a good job voicing the male and female characters, but it didn't feel like there was any emotion involved. The men didn't sound feminine, and the women didn't sound overly masculine.

I didn't feel any chemistry between Jason and Bella. I didn't like Bella. I'm tired of insecure women feeling like "why would he want me? He's a Westmoreland!" I'm tired of the perfect Westmoreland men. It's like they are coming of the Westmoreland assembly line. I'm tired of the lack of communication where the couple is too afraid to say what they are thinking of feeling. In tired of each MC having an "A/A" conversation. Why does it seem like the women lately are all hazel eyes beauties? Bella just seemed whiny, insecure, and immature to me.

This book felt rushed, like subplots were tossed into it and abruptly ended without any story behind it. The book provided a TON of background Westmoreland information, but not much about Bella and Jason. That is unless you consider the sex scenes and then walking around with the taste of each other in their mouths. (I'm sorry. I'm just going to say it. After you read/listen to that enough times, it sounds kind of gross.)

There was a whole story there with the Uncle Kenneth situation, and I felt like the book only touched the surface of it.

I feel like I'm reading the same book over and over but with different names. I think if I want to read about Westmoreland's, I'll go back to the early books.

[L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

What starts out as a business proposal ends with a life long commitment to each other.
Jason Westmoreland and Bella Bostwick both want something the other has to offer. Bella wants her freedom to live her life as she wants to, away from her very controlling family. She wants to make her own decisions and live independently from her parents. Jason wants the land she inherited and her prized stallion, Hercules. When Bella gets a rock thrown through her home's window and then her house gets set on fire Jason decides she should accept his proposal of marriage as a way to end the fight with her family over control of her life and land. This would also give him partial ownership of her land and full ownership of Hercules.
What they haven't admitted to is their love for each other.
There's lots of steamy sex here which is well done and doesn't take away from a decent plot but doesn't make the story more interesting either.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elizabeth "Bella" Bostwick is ecstatic that her trust fund will help to keep up the Denver property she inherited from her grandfather. It's too bad her controlling parents are pushing for a clause in her trust, that she be married by her 26th birthday (in three months), be enforced. Not to mention there's someone who wants her gone so much that they're breaking windows and burning down her house.
But Jason Westmoreland suggests a solution. He wants the colt that she inherited and she wants her money. Marry for a year and they can both get what they want. What he doesn't mention is that he has already fallen in love with Bella and wants more than just that time.
Regular readers to the series will enjoy this book.

[lakeria taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would’ve given this book a four, but was really annoyed and triggered about how insecure Bella was. Like girl, you have everything you could want in a man and you’re about to jeopardize it all over the fact that you can’t think for yourself. I also would have liked to have known more about Bella‘s family in just a little bit more of the plot on her family. And it also looks like I need to start from the beginning of this dynasty. Will definitely be doing that, but overall it was pretty decent. One final thing, it had a little bit more erotica in it then I would have liked. One sexy scene, sure, but a little into one hour of my listening was straight up sex.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit to being a bit skeptical about this book after reading the reviews, but I decided to go ahead and read it anyway. I’m glad I did! Although there were some missed opportunities that could’ve been expanded on, I still enjoyed it thoroughly. For example, the situation with uncle Kenneth could’ve been developed into a great subplot... or the tense relationship between Bella’s father and her grandfather could’ve been expanded further. But again overall, I loved it because it was a great love story.

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. I love a marriage of convenience and I love Westmoreland men so of course this worked for me. Jason is such a wonderful man and extremely charming. I loved how much he cared for Bella and their chemistry together was great. Bella had to grow on me but by the end I loved her as well. She really learned to stand up for herself against her parents and even though she had moments of self doubt it never got too annoying for me. The romance was great, there was some great steamy scenes and I loved the ending.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella finds out she has inherited her grandfather's house and land. This was a grandfather she didn't know about.while at a party she briefly meets Jason. When he finds out her parents are treating her, he proposed a solution for both of them. She asks for time to think. But things keep happening and she agrees to the proposal. This was a very good story with more of the Westmoreland 's. A book not hard to put down.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best of the Westmorelands, but ok? (better then a poke in the eye HAHA)I liked the chemistry between the MCs but it felt very.... common? the same as all the others? There is a word for this phenomenon but it escapes me because I am in the middle of building a website and it's hard to disengage at 'break time'.
Still, a light romp and a bit of fun

[Mattie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt pretty much zero chemistry between hero and heroine, like he goes from wanting her land and then in love with her (they had barely interacted a few times that him being in love made zero sense to me). P.

[Turtleberry Turtleberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason and Bella had a sweet story. Their chemistry was there from their first meeting. Then she ends up in a bind and he comes to her rescue. Their love story was very sweet.
Really enjoyed this book.

[Desi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leído el 22/11/2011

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason and Bella are so cute together.

[Stephanie]

I reviewed this book for my YouTube channel, Op Shop Romance
https://youtu.be/B5cyYhnazMA

[Catherine Ross]

I needed a good love story. This one was okay but it left me needing another one. So I guess I am on to the next story.

[Tigger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this is my second time reading this book!

[Paula Fraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME AS ALWAYS

All the novels are Awesome and Great to enjoy, relax; while being taken away to the story line. Keep them coming Brenda Jackson. More Westmorland Novels...

[Lindsay Fedoruk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it but as I feel with a lot of these shorter books is sometimes the end is wrapped up too quickly and the last couple chapters almost feel rushed.

[Book Binge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brenda Jackson has written over 20 novels about the Westmorelands--the Atlanta, Washington, D. C, Colorado, and Montana Westmorelands--a prolific, generous, and hugely successful African-American family who have managed to make their mark on every community in which they have resided. This present story takes place in and around Denver, Colorado, featuring one of the cousins that is being highlighted in a series about this branch of the family. Jason is in his early 30's, a successful rancher who is running a horse training and breeding center with his cousins and brothers, and who is very happy with his life as it is. His property butts up against Harlan Bostwick who has recently died and whose property has now been willed to his granddaughter, Bella--a granddaughter who didn't even know he existed and who has lived under the thumb of her Savannah, Georgia parents for the entirety of her 25 years. Inheriting this property now gives Bella an unexpected opportunity to live on her own and carve out her future according to her own hopes and plans, rather than acquiesing to the marriage plans of her parents.

Their attraction begins quietly with a chance meeting at a community gathering and almost as soon as she is introduced to Jason, Bella's great-uncle is dragging her away and filling the air around her with his negative comments about the Westmorelands in general and Jason in particular. Their friendship grows as Jason visits Bella at her granddad's ranch with offers any good neighbor would make, but it is within that context that not only do they become better friends, but they find their attraction growing to rather sizeable proportions.

Bella's refusal to return to Savannah angers her controlling parents and thanks to their diligence and that of a bastion of attorneys on their payroll, they find a way to cut off her trust fund payments, hoping to squelch any plans she has to remain in Colorado. Thus, Jason make his proposal: marry him and thus free up her money, become co-owner of her ranch, and become the owner of her prize stallion--a horse only Jason can handle anyway. No matter how Bella thinks it through, it appears that is the only solution if she wants to maintain her independence from her parents. One further problem: she is falling in love with Jason fully aware that he has put a 12 month limitation on their marriage. Not only that, but she thinks she has become pregnant.

Now this is not a unique plot nor is it an unusual twist in a romantic novel. What shine through here are the personalities of the characters--Bella's independent nature, her refinement and manners, her open acceptance of the Westmoreland family members as neighbors and soon-to-be friends, her willingness to be a friend as well as receive them, and the cohesion of this enormous family with all its ups and downs, its steady family men and the I-don't-even-want-to-think-about-getting-married brothers and cousins, the women who are willing to speak up and out, and the evident affection and loyalty that binds them all together. It is a deep sense of goodness about all these people--individuals we would all be proud to call friends--that is characteristic of Brenda Jackson stories about this family. Bella, an only child, shuttled here and there by parents who were more interested in their own lives than in her, is drawn to them like a moth to the flame, and this, as well as her financial woes, makes marrying Jason something she can feel OK about. That they light up the skies in the bedroom doesn't hurt, either.

I am a huge Brenda Jackson fan there hasn't been a single one of her novels that I haven't liked. That being said, there are some that I think stand out a bit more than this one does. This novel is a comfortable, heart-warming kind of story that has its share of tension and crisis, but in the long haul, it is about two people who ultimately manage to find their way forward, not only solving Bella's financial situation and securing her independence, but finding their way toward each other.

This is a really nice book, with an entertaining sense about it, and with the requisite happy ending. There are some surprises and twists, but they are not overwhelming and all in all, this is just a really engaging story that can fill a summer evening or engage the mind beside the pool. I know that I enjoyed it a lot and was pleased to be able to read it. Ms Jackson's writing expertise has a way of taking a really ordinary story and turning it into a piece of very entertaining romance fiction. And she has set the standard for many writers, not only in the African-American community, but throughout the romance fiction writers' world. There's lots to like here.

I give it a rating of 4 out of 5.

This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Judith.

[L.M. David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series of the Westmoreland family I have read but not the first in the series. I don't necessarily hate romance stories but after reading several, it seems to be an ongoing theme with this genre that seems totally boilerplate. More often than not, its love at first sight, the sex is totally mind blowing/off the chart and happens either with blinding speed or within the first one hundred pages of the novel. It is a genre that seems to enjoy glamourizing the "package heavy" males, the innocent albeit combative women they confess to loving at first sight but are too brain damaged to admit it to the women until the story is almost done. The guys (in particular the Western Themes) are forever rescuing their "loves" from baddies. It seems all Romance Writers make their heroine get on their "tiptoes" to kiss skyscraper tall males or arch their backs into it when making love. I challenge readers to find one book that doesn't mention one or the other or both those descriptions. I also find it difficult to believe black men enjoy performing oral sex on black women but concede there maybe some who do but I'm guessing they keep it on the down low because none I dated did that. Bottom line, when you have read one romance book, you've basically read them all and this story is not the exception. I could not envision what the main characters looked like except both were black, Westmoreland was gentle as well as somewhat pushy, Bella had snooty family members and Jason had a family large enough to fill a football stadium. The two married to keep her from losing her trust fund, determined it would be a one year marriage of convenience before tying the knot yet hit the sheets to consummate it hours after saying their "I do's". There won't be an annulment in the cards for these two. What annoyed me the most was the lack of qualities in the main characters. There was nothing endearing about either of them but I still gave it three stars because the character Jason wasn't a total loss -- he didn't cheat on her.

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 3 out of 5]

After coming off the high of Silken Thread & A Wife for a Westmoreland I was looking forward to The Proposal. I'm a Huge fan of Brenda Jackson but this one didn't draw me in like the others it was a good read with a good storyline but felt it was missing that spark I get from reading one of the author's books or reading about a Westmoreland.

Although I love the series of the Westmorelands at one point in the book Jason was telling Bella that the family hired a detective to see if there where any more Westmorelands out there because the story in their family goes that their grandfather had more than one wife, my point is as much as I'm a die hard Westmoreland fan we are not even half way done with this set of Westmorelands after reading about the Atlanta Westmorelands , I don't want to see an over kill of them, I've been there since Delaney's Desert Sheik and at some point would like to see the family come to a close.

Now as for the book, I read a little at the end of A Wife for a Westmoreland of Jason and what he thought of Bella I got excited thinking it's going to be juicy, but it was just ok. Bella is a Savannah girl who just inherited land from her grandfather she didnt know exist, her family wants her to sell the land but she doesn't, not only that her parents are trying to get her to return to Savannah or there will be a hold on her trust fund. In the mist of things Jason suggested a plan that could benefit both Jason and Bella. Bella is a nice girl, innocent and sweet, Jason he has a good heart as do all the Westmorelands. As I said ok read for me personally but not the best. I do have to admit though after they were married it perked me up a bit, not with just the steamy sex but with the little twists with her family.


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[Ceej · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Westmorelands!! I remember reading a A Little Dareand loving it but I wasn't hooked until The Chase Is On (Silhouette Desire). I had a bunch of books to hunt down and I fell even more in love with what I think of as the epitome of being a man. I live in Atlanta and I'm wondering, where's my Westmoreland???

I was pleased and ecstatic to be introduced to Jason. Jason kind of reminds me of Quade and Ian. He has Ian's intensity but Quade's charm and easy going persona. Like all the Westmoreland men, he has a strong sense of honor and doesn't hesitate to go after, with a single minded determination, the woman his soul connects with.

Bella is not like the other wives. She's not as spunky or brassy but she has a charm all her own. She is a good compliment to Jason, in that a stronger woman would have changed who Jason is. She's meek to his unassuming but there is no doubt if need be, she would be a force to be reckoned.

For a serial romance, it is a really cute and captivating read. Sometimes I wish the Westmorelands were written on the Arabesque line with the Madaris family so their books could be a little more meatier. I could imagine so many directions to take with Uncle Kenneth and the controlling parents. It's the only reason I won't give this book five stars. I wanted more!!! Great work Brenda and I anxiously await the next book. Will it be Bane, Bailey or Zane????

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a huge Brenda Jackson fan, I always enjoy her writing although I don't think there was the level of intensity in this novel that I have encountered in some of her other works. Yet Jason Westmoreland is a man who seems comfortable in his skin, likes his life, and isn't really "on the make" in any way. Yet the Southern belle, Ms Bella, sets his teeth on edge in a very good way right from their first introduction, and the attraction seems to keep growing. That they became friends first was very positive, but Bella's parents and her great-uncle's family seemed determined to separate her from her Colorado inheritance and get her to do what they wanted. In that sense, there was some definite tension in this story, and the uneasy truce between Jason and Bella, in spite of their sexual fireworks, certainly insured a reader's discomfort. As always, there is a cast of Westmorelands who romp through these pages, and it is not a long book. It is not a complicated plot yet it reads nicely, the story moves along, and one gets the feeling--as in all these Westmoreland stories--that these are really nice people who any of us would be proud to call friends. This is a nice read for a summer evening and Brenda Jackson never really disappoints.

[☂ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Savannah Belle, Elizabeth (Bella) Bostwick has inherited her late grandfather's land and prized stallion Hercules. Her new ranch connects to Jason Westmoreland's and like everyone else he has shown interest in purchasing the land and Hercules. Despite her family's opposition Bella is determined to make this ranch her home. Her parents are livid and demand she return to Savannah and marry a wealthy local, and live they life they planned for her. Her uncle is bitter than she didn't sell the land to his investor and refuses to have anymore to do with her. Jason has decided that if Bella is staying he wants to spend time with her and get to know her much better. When Bella's parent cut off her trust fund she no longer can keep the ranch running. Jason proposes a simple fix that gets everyone what they want.

This book had a good bit of potential but the whole plot (the marriage proposal) seemed better suited for a Highlander novel in the 12th century. I'm a huge Highlander fan so those types of books definitely appeal to me. It just didn't work as well in modern day, with a besotted man, an overbearing family, and a girl who would lose more than she gained in the end if it didn't work out. Not a bad book by any means but only an okay book.

[stilwaterz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Ms Jackson! These Westmoreland men don't stop ... making me weak! Jason Westmoreland is laid back but just as hot and yummy as his brothers and cousins. One look at southern Bella Bostwick and he knew he had to have her and her adjoining ranch. What began as a business proposal quickly dissolved into a long term love affair.

Bella suddenly learns she owns a ranch in Montana. Montana! It is love at first sight --- quite different from Savannaha. Finally, she can enjoy her new found independence ... or so she thinks.

If you are familar with my reviews, you know when the characters make me talk to them, that is a good sign. Well, I had many conversations with Jason! Jason is not a player. He doesn't date often. He dates when necessary. He wants to marry someday when the right woman comes along. He is the perfect gentleman, yet sauve and patient, but like a Westmoreland man, he is HOT! Very sweet boy meets girl love story with just enough heat in the "proper" sequence. I don't normally reread novels, but this is one is on my reread list!

[Patrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the way Ms Jackson portrayed her 2 main characters in this book. Bella Bostwick, a sheltered, only child, finds herself the recipient of an inheritance from a Grandfather she never knew existed. She meets Jason Westmoreland at a charity event, while accompanied there by her uncle. Bella and Jason have an instant attraction. I like how the relationship between these two develops and I appreciate the fact that Bella was strong enough and Jason gentleman enough not to act impulsively on their mutual attraction. It's still nice to find a heroine that is still a virgin in this day and age. A very steamy story nonetheless!

I also liked Bella's need for independence and her strong character.
Jason likes Bella's determination, beauty and brains. Jason is as honest as they come and is a loyal friend.

I think I'm going to have to find some of the other stories about this Westmorelan gang. If this story is anything to judge by, I will not be disappointed.

[Dawn “D-Love” · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook. In this love story we have Jason and Bella. Bella who is from Savannah and of an influential family has inherited a ranch in Denver from a grandfather which she didn’t know she had. Her parents are overbearing and unloving and expect her to go into an arranged marriage with a man of wealth in Savannah but Bella has other plans. She wants to make it on her own but has never done it before and some long lost family members don’t want her to succeed. Jason and Bella meet at a fundraiser ball and the sparks fly immediately. Bella already has insecurities due to her upbringing and moving to Denver on her ranch brings its share of additional problems. Jason makes a proposal to Bella which is mutually beneficial to them both but will their hearts be able to stick to this arrangement? A pretty good love story but Bella’s insecurities and her and Jason’s lack of communication is annoying. If you love someone tell them and don’t beat around the bush.