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The Glenbriar #8

A Surprise Proposal in the Rose Garden

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If the ring fits...



When social-media influencer Genevieve Harrington wakes up with the hangover from hell and a ring on her finger, she’s in trouble.

Already reeling from a failed engagement, Finlay McBride is caught in a nightmare. Agreeing to accompany his ex’s best friend to a party was meant to be a one-day-only act of kindness. Drunkenly proposing was not an option… And yet it’s there on the internet for the entire world to see.

Genevieve needs to limit the damage. Being with her friend’s ex breaks so many rules and her social media followers are quick to remind her of the fact. But she’s always had a secret crush on Finlay and now she has a chance to make things real.

Finlay soon discovers Genevieve is not the serenely indifferent woman he took her for. More and more, she opens her heart to him, and he starts to fall for her. But he’s leaving Scotland for a job in Dubai at the end of the month and he doesn’t want yet another failed engagement this year.

Together, they must decide if this is merely a moment of summer bliss or a love worth fighting for.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2024

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About the author

Margaret Amatt

40 books53 followers
Margaret is a Scottish author and chocolate lover who has been writing stories for over twenty years (possibly more if you count her primary school efforts). Her early works will never see the light of day and are locked in dusty vaults on some old floppy disks. But after all those years of practise, Margaret released her first novel A Winter Haven in 2021. This is the first of a ten-book series set on the gorgeous Scottish Isle of Mull.
The stories are unashamedly romantic but with lots of drama and an eclectic mix of characters. Each book can be read as a standalone but followers of the series will enjoy catching up with previous characters.
A new spin-off series based in the Scottish Highlands is coming out in 2023. Look out for the Glenbriar Series throughout the year.

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Kelly.
2,598 reviews121 followers
June 6, 2024
I received an advance review copy of this book, to review as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is a contemporary romance, part of the Glenbriar series. When I first started reading this, I felt the author presented a fun and exciting scenario that encouraged me to read on. The protagonist, Genevieve, seemed a fun, bubbly character that I warmed to. Finlay seemed an interesting character, as he initially seemed quite detached and a little bit reluctant to show his emotions, and I wondered if this might change later on. Genevieve's grandma was another character that I really liked.

This was a fun romantic read with some humorous moments, some serious moments and some sweet moments. It made me smile, and if you're in the mood for a light romantic read, you might want to give this a try.

Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
Profile Image for Book Escapes Babs.
709 reviews31 followers
June 5, 2024
Oh my goodness, this was one of the most romantic books I’ve read for a while. It certainly ticked all of my boxes and then some. I honestly believe that most readers have a preferred formula, and mine is definitely where the couple gets together early in the book. This one includes Fake Dating, but that is by the way and didn’t detract from the story for me.
We met Finlay in previous books, but nothing is lost if you haven’t read any of the others, as the narrative expertly provides the necessary backstory. He was engaged before and had his ring and heart returned abruptly in the last book. Finlay is every kind of handsome hero that you could imagine, and I definitely saw him in all his book-boyfriend glory. He may have been poorly treated before, but he remains kind and loyal, even in a fake relationship.
Then we meet Genevieve, or ‘The Vieve’ as her alter ego as an influencer is known. She is a best friend to Finlay’s ex and has been secretly hiding a massive crush on Finlay since her childhood. She was born with something of a silver spoon in her mouth as her Father is very successful in renewables. As a result, her parents regularly try to match her with random single men of all ages, assuming that her influencer career isn’t a real job. But Vivienne is determined to prove her parents wrong. Hatching a plan to fake-date each other, they attend a family party.
The synopsis gives more detail, but I can tell you that the following days and weeks deliver romance by the boatload. Of course, it was fake, but it was glorious and a little risqué. I was fully invested in their romance and loved how deep their fake dating went. There are some frankly hilarious moments mixed in with wonderful tenderness; I defy even the coldest heart not to be moved.
With gorgeous characters and a completely relatable storyline, the proposal isn’t the only blissful surprise in store for the reader. I can wholeheartedly recommend a trip to Glenbriar.
Profile Image for Jo Shaw.
563 reviews34 followers
June 6, 2024
I am a huge fan of the Glenbriar series by Margaret Amatt, and A Surprise Proposal in the Rose Garden is the eighth book in the series. In this book, which is a standalone although I highly recommend reading the entire series in order, the focus is on Genevieve, a social media influencer, and Finlay a teacher who has been recently dumped by his ex-fiancée.

Whenever I read the next book in this series, without fail I find my new favourite and this was no exception. Having had a crush on Finlay since she was 12, Genevieve had always hidden her feelings because he was her friend Hayley’s older brother. When her other friend Elise rushed into a relationship with Finlay on the rebound, Genevieve had regrets about not having told him how she felt.

Finlay is on the rebound after being dumped by his fiancée Elise in recent weeks. Elise is also one of Genevieve’s friends.

It was so much fun, the way they found themselves pretending to be a couple after accidentally going live on social media when Finlay proposes to Genevieve after they had spent hours drinking a lot of prosecco and champagne. Everything snowballed because all of their friends and family had found out about the proposal. Knowing that Finlay was moving to Dubai in a few weeks they decided upon a way of ending things without making either of them a scapegoat, but it would mean pretending for a little longer.

I loved the chemistry between the two, which was sizzling from the very beginning of the story, and I don’t think I’ve ever rooted for a couple so hard when reading a romance before. They complemented one another so perfectly, and truly were a perfect match. This was a book that, when I started reading it, I did not want to put down, and it was a book that when I had to put it down, left me thinking about it, which is always a good sign.

A Surprise Proposal in the Rose Garden by Margaret Amatt is a stunning summery romance that will have you giggling and sighing in equal parts, and not wanting the story to end.
Profile Image for Lyndsey Gallagher.
Author 16 books255 followers
April 26, 2024
What a book! After reading the other books in the series I was absolutely desperate to see Finlay finally get his HEA! Genevieve was such a wonderful heroine- relatable & likeable. The chemistry leapt from each page and I was rooting for them from the very beginning!
Another cracking book my Margaret Amatt! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Kirsty.
2,199 reviews63 followers
June 1, 2024
A Surprise Proposal in the Rose Garden by Margaret Amatt

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

If the ring fits...

When social-media influencer Genevieve Harrington wakes up with the hangover from hell and a ring on her finger, she’s in trouble.

Already reeling from a failed engagement, Finlay McBride is caught in a nightmare. Agreeing to accompany his ex’s best friend to a party was meant to be a one-day-only act of kindness. Drunkenly proposing was not an option… And yet it’s there on the internet for the entire world to see.

Genevieve needs to limit the damage. Being with her friend’s ex breaks so many rules and her social media followers are quick to remind her of the fact. But she’s always had a secret crush on Finlay and now she has a chance to make things real.

Finlay soon discovers Genevieve is not the serenely indifferent woman he took her for. More and more, she opens her heart to him, and he starts to fall for her. But he’s leaving Scotland for a job in Dubai at the end of the month and he doesn’t want yet another failed engagement this year.

My Opinion

Each book in this series has been written to be a standalone, but for full enjoyment I would recommend reading them in the correct order. This was one of those books that I started and knew I was going to be hooked - sadly due to work commitments I had to put this book down around 40% and it was really difficult.

Margaret Amatt has fast become an author I will always make time for and when I see there is going to be an addition to this series I am always eager to give it a read. Another lovely trip to Glenbriar.

Rating 4/5
Profile Image for Jane.
1,273 reviews77 followers
June 2, 2024
4.5

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This was such a sweet, cute love story. Genevieve is a social influencer that touts her single girl life. Unfortunately, what she'd really like is to find the one, settle down, and start a family. Finlay falls too hard and too fast, and he has two failed engagements to show for it. Finlay agrees to go to a party with Genevieve as her fake boyfriend for the day, but neither expected to get drunk and get fake engaged - or have it posted live on Genevieve's social feed.

The two wake up to family and friends wondering what the heck just happened. Didn't Finlay's latest engagement JUST end? Hasn't Genevieve always disliked Finlay? As the couple navigate their predicament, including keeping the lie alive for various reasons, could real feelings be developing?

I loved this couple. They were both so real, and their chemistry was explosive. Their flirting was adorable and the moments of vulnerability was endearing. Each was secretly falling for the other, but too afraid to risk the hurt of finding out if the feelings were reciprocated. I started this book and couldn't stop reading until I finished it.

If you like sweet stories with wonderful characters, you need to pick this book up now. It's book 8 in a series, but each book is a standalone and can be read on it's own. This is the first book I've read in the series, but am definitely going back to read others in the series.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Rachel's Random Resources and Leannan Press. All opinions are my own.
653 reviews9 followers
June 2, 2024
I adored Genevieve and Finlay from the very beginning of this latest book in the Glenbriar series. When Genevieve unexpectedly asks Finlay to a party at her parent’s house neither of them could have predicted what would happen. Genevieve has always fancied Finlay but he is her friend Hayley’s brother and has never seemed to notice her - until now…… I love how characters from previous books in the series pop up too and how in each book it’s easy to work out how everyone is connected. If you haven’t already read any of this series I highly recommend that you do!! I seriously cannot wait for the next one in what has become one of my favourite series!
1,066 reviews24 followers
June 8, 2024
You wouldn’t think Finlay a P.E. teacher and Genevieve a social media influencer would have much in common but they have chemistry and plenty of it. I wasn’t sure of Genevieve to start with but I ended like liking her and cheering her on to go get her man as for Finlay I loved him, a real romantic. Dreamy, swoony and soooo romantic.
Profile Image for Veronica Peartree.
Author 5 books15 followers
June 13, 2024
Roses and Prosecco

I loved this book so much!!!! Margaret Amatt’s writing is seamless and beautiful in this 8th instalment in The Glenbriar Series. A Surprise Proposal in the Rose Garden is a best-friend’s brother, fake-dating, sweet romantic comedy and it was the first book I’ve read in the Series.

Genevieve is a social media influencer and from a wealthy background as her father has made money in the renewable energy sector. Finlay is a teacher who’s recently had his heart broken. He’s still upset and plans to sell his place and leave the country because he’s had enough.

They decide to fake-date each other to spare Genevieve the hassle of getting hit on constantly at one of her parents’ garden parties. But all doesn’t quite go to plan… After a few too many drinks, Genevieve and Finlay make out in secret and get engaged at the party. It’s only the next morning when they realise that Genevieve accidentally live-streamed their secret, fake proposal in her parents’ rose garden! Now they have so many questions to answer… So, what do they do? They run with the fake engagement, of course!

Finlay truly stole my heart. His emotions are so raw, having been engaged and dumped twice, and you can’t help but feel for him. The best part, though, is that even though he’s been hurt, he’s still loyal and kind and that makes him my absolute favourite type of book boyfriend. A bit of a tortured soul, vulnerable with figurative scars, ready to throw the towel in on love, but who is still an honourable gentleman in all the right ways (swoon!).

Fake Dating is one of my all-time favourite romance tropes. Keeping the lie alive for as long as they can drives the tension and as a reader, you know that the longer the fake engagement plays out, the deeper their REAL feelings become. I could read this part of the novel over and over and never tire of of Finlay and Genevieve pretending it’s all a ruse when, in fact, we all know it’s true love.

You cannot help but root for these two. Both Finlay and Genevieve’s hearts LONG to be full, but they hold themselves back because they’re both so afraid to get hurt. With chemistry that sizzles on the page, this book had humour, it had angst, and it had so much romance. If you’re looking for a beautiful romance, summertime in Scotland, and a feel-good read, then you need to add A Surprise Proposal in the Rose Garden to your summer reading list!
Profile Image for Evie Alexander.
Author 18 books1,023 followers
March 27, 2024
Influencer Genevieve has convinced her followers, and (almost) herself, that's she happy being single and waiting for 'the one'. However, only her dog, Mitzi, knows that she's been in love forever with Finley, the brother of one of her best friends.

Finley's life is not going according plan. He yearns for a happy family life, but he's been engaged twice and been dumped twice, the most recent time by Elise, one of his sister's two best friends. So what's a guy to do? Easy. Sell up and move to Dubai for work. Far, far away from Glenbriar and everyone's gossip.

But as he's clearing out his flat, Elise arrives to pick up her things with Genevieve. Once her car is filled, there's no room for Genevieve so Finley agrees to give her a lift home. But when they get talking, Genevieve persuades him to come to a party at her parent's house and protect her from all the silver foxes her father keeps pushing her way.

Drinking too much prosecco on an empty stomach, Finley and Genevieve get carried away with the act of girlfriend and boyfriend, and take their fake to the next level - making out and getting engaged in the rose garden.

But waking up the next morning, they discover Genevieve has accidentally live-streamed the proposal to all her followers, and now everyone, including their families, friends, and exes, think they are engaged...

OH MY GOD THIS BOOK!!!!!!! I loved it so so so so much!!! It's just an absolute swoony delight from start to finish. Finley is gorgeous and hilarious, and the funniest character Amatt has ever written. Genevieve is so sweet and I just wanted to hug her and tell her everything was going to be okay.

The premise for the book does sound bonkers, but the emotions are so real and the set-up so immaculately presented that it was utterly believable. The proposal, and how Genevieve and Finley interacted was so raw and heartfelt and I was with them every second of the way.

I cannot recommend this book enough. It's easy, breezy, and fabulously funny. I laughed, swooned and kept turning the pages late into the night because I couldn't put it down.

Genevieve and Finley may have got drunk and carried away, but they come up smelling of roses.

Pure perfection!
Profile Image for thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books).
2,811 reviews120 followers
June 3, 2024
Margaret Amatt is family one of my favourite go to authors, She writes wonderful stories and characters that I can’t help but adore and each time I enter a new story and I’m not gonna put it down until I finished. (a reason why I don’t start these books when I’m working or to start because that would be lethal! )

I love Genevieve so much, she was such a great character and I couldn’t help but connect with and feel for her. I thought both Genevieve and Finlay were fantastic, completely charming, funny, sooooo sweet and I just had to see where their relationship was going to go and what was going to happen between them (no spoilers here) Finlay is one of my favourite leading men I’ve read this year I think and when you read this you’ll see why.

This book was a pure delight to read, so much emotion inside these pages, it’s a wonderful piece of escapism, light, fresh, full of second chances at love, fake dating and a couple so desperately wanting to find each other but afraid to be hurt again, such a great story.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Staceywh_17.
3,918 reviews12 followers
June 5, 2024
A Surprise Proposal is another delightful inclusion to the Glenbriar series by Amatt.

I loved this so much. Its got all the usual heartwarming moments and a happy ever after, but the way it's written is fun, far fetched (in a good way) and flippin' brilliant.

As always the characters are so lovely and likeable, with Finlay being one of the recurring characters from the series.

Glenbriar is another one of my favourite places to return to and I'm always sad to leave.
Profile Image for Julie Foster.
809 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2024
I couldn't put this book down I loved everything about this story. Even though it can be read as a standalone, this book carried on from the last one. I really hope there will be another book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews