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Brewer Family #1
The Proposal
Breaking News: Rugby’s bad boy marries his best friend’s little sister
If Renn Brewer would’ve asked me to marry him, I would’ve said no.
Why?
One, his reputation precedes him. His name is in the headlines at least once a month. Two, he’s not just my brother’s best friend. They’re teammates. And three, I’m in my self-care era.
Unfortunately, a version of me equates self-care with bad choices.
The cocktail in my hand—similar to the one that got me into this situation—is the prettiest shade of pink. It’s almost the same color as the giant rock on my left hand. And instead of discussing an annulment, I’m considering a 90-day marriage of convenience to the man I accidentally married in Las Vegas.
Renn didn’t propose marriage. But he does deliver a proposal I might be unable to turn down.
If Renn Brewer would’ve asked me to marry him, I would’ve said no.
Why?
One, his reputation precedes him. His name is in the headlines at least once a month. Two, he’s not just my brother’s best friend. They’re teammates. And three, I’m in my self-care era.
Unfortunately, a version of me equates self-care with bad choices.
The cocktail in my hand—similar to the one that got me into this situation—is the prettiest shade of pink. It’s almost the same color as the giant rock on my left hand. And instead of discussing an annulment, I’m considering a 90-day marriage of convenience to the man I accidentally married in Las Vegas.
Renn didn’t propose marriage. But he does deliver a proposal I might be unable to turn down.
286 pages, Paperback
First published August 14, 2023
4499 people are currently reading
7364 people want to read
About the author
Adriana Locke
98 books15.9k followersAdriana Locke is a USA Today and Amazon Charts Bestselling author with a knack for writing swoony, unforgettable contemporary romances. At nineteen, she traded her small-town roots for big-city life, only to realize her heart beats for quiet mornings and cozy chaos. These days, she’s living her happily-ever-after in Ohio with Mr. Locke—her high school sweetheart—four lively sons, and two hilariously hyper Jack Russell terriers.
When she’s not penning love stories that will leave you laughing and sighing, Adriana is battling the epic quest of missing silverware, “gardening” (a.k.a. chatting with her plants), or leaving her grocery list on the counter as she heads to the store. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let her books whisk you away to a world of heartwarming romance and irresistible heroes.
When she’s not penning love stories that will leave you laughing and sighing, Adriana is battling the epic quest of missing silverware, “gardening” (a.k.a. chatting with her plants), or leaving her grocery list on the counter as she heads to the store. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let her books whisk you away to a world of heartwarming romance and irresistible heroes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,707 reviews
August 9, 2023
Oh please, please, please tell me there's going to be a Brewer family series and that this won’t be a standalone! We get just enough of Renn's siblings in his romance that I have to have more. And I’ll let you in on a little secret. We also get a tiny bit of insight into the elusive Foxx Carmichael, just in time for his upcoming story in Flame.
The story starts from Blakely Evans' POV, the younger sister of Renn's pro rugby teammate and best friend, Brock. Blakely and her BFF Ella are in Vegas celebrating Blakely's thirtieth birthday, but their girl's weekend is crashed by Renn and her brother Brock, who is on-again-off-again with Ella. While Brock and Ella are getting back to on again, Renn and Blakely are out on the town, having g fun, and drinking way too much. Sooo, the next morning they wake up in the same bed, married.
But Blakely has decided her thirties will be a time of finding the right guy who has forever in mind. She wants to get her life in order, do responsible things, and settle down. And what does a charming, swaggering, player who only looks as far down the road as right now have to offer?
These two have been flirting and circling around each other for ten long years, but neither ever made a move. Finally, they’re in a situation where they get the chance to see each other through fresh eyes and consider what forever might look for them.
Gah y'all, this one is so freakin' good!! Renn and Blakely are perfect together, and I loved the side romance with Brock and Ella. And Renn's family? There's some complicated stuff there, but they’re so welcoming to Blakely, and she finally has a chance at having the family she's longed for. I fell head over heels for these two and have no doubt you'll adore them as much as I do. Funny, charming, steamy, and full of heart, you won’t want to pass up this one!
The story starts from Blakely Evans' POV, the younger sister of Renn's pro rugby teammate and best friend, Brock. Blakely and her BFF Ella are in Vegas celebrating Blakely's thirtieth birthday, but their girl's weekend is crashed by Renn and her brother Brock, who is on-again-off-again with Ella. While Brock and Ella are getting back to on again, Renn and Blakely are out on the town, having g fun, and drinking way too much. Sooo, the next morning they wake up in the same bed, married.
But Blakely has decided her thirties will be a time of finding the right guy who has forever in mind. She wants to get her life in order, do responsible things, and settle down. And what does a charming, swaggering, player who only looks as far down the road as right now have to offer?
These two have been flirting and circling around each other for ten long years, but neither ever made a move. Finally, they’re in a situation where they get the chance to see each other through fresh eyes and consider what forever might look for them.
Gah y'all, this one is so freakin' good!! Renn and Blakely are perfect together, and I loved the side romance with Brock and Ella. And Renn's family? There's some complicated stuff there, but they’re so welcoming to Blakely, and she finally has a chance at having the family she's longed for. I fell head over heels for these two and have no doubt you'll adore them as much as I do. Funny, charming, steamy, and full of heart, you won’t want to pass up this one!
November 19, 2023
The Proposal is another Locke book added to the all-time favorite list. The way Locke writes family dynamics—sassy women, swoony men—is unsurpassed. As in… I opened the book and accidentally read the whole thing instead of adulting. I can assure you that I have not one regret!
Blakely is sweet and sassy. As someone who lost a loved one far too early in life and thankfully had an older sibling that loved me with the fierceness Brock loves, Blakely forged an instant connection between me and this fictional character.
Renn is a cocky athlete, with the reputation of a player on and off the pitch, but when you see the real man behind the face, the world sees that he is top-book boyfriend material. He was thoughtful, protective, and alpha-swoony.
The chemistry between Blakely and Renn was palpable the moment they were near one another, and that was under the watchful eye of Blakely’s older brother. That wasn’t even a fraction of the explosiveness that came from the push and pull between them. There were moments where it was physical touches that fueled the intensity, but there were also moments where the words that were shared were hot enough to ignite my kindle. They had a physical connection, but it was more than that; they fed one another the passion burning between them with clever banter and whispered innuendo. Anything that may have tried to come between them would have been burned to ash if they even attempted such a thing.
Locke has a way of weaving together laughter, tears, heartache, hope, and an abundance of love that will stay with you long after you read the final word. Blakely and Renn’s story is full of laughter and steam, but there are moments that pulled on a few heartstrings that were directly connected to my tear ducts. As my eyes devoured the words, Blakely and Renn’s emotions steamrolled their way into my heart.
The Proposal is an escape from reality like only Locke can provide. An unputdownable blend of explosive chemistry, a swoony hero, a sassy heroine, laugh-out-loud witty banter, feels, and SUPER HOT steam. Vegas marriage, forced proximity—he falls first PERFECTION.
This isn’t really part of my review, more so than anything it’s meant to offer an understanding of the reality that has been suffocating me. It wasn’t one small thing, and to be honest, it was a handful of rather huge things. I needed an escape and Locke offered me that ten-fold.
Locke’s last few books have started with an introduction from her, saying that her wish is that her words will allow readers an escape. Life hasn’t been kind to me the past year; this week I was drowning in my own health issues, including PTSD flashbacks of when my son was in a coma (5 years ago this week). There’s more, but those are the biggest things that made every moment this week harder and harder to breathe. I had no intention of reading this in one sitting, but it was as though I didn’t have a choice. The Proposal hit my kindle, and everything outside of this fictional world ceased to exist. I smiled, and I shed a tear. I giggled and swooned. I fell in lust, and I fell in love. My heart ached, and my stomach filled with butterflies. This was the reprieve I needed to allow my mind to find peace, my heart to heal, and my soul to feel rejuvenated. I’m ready for life again. Nobody will ever be able to convince me that authors aren’t real-life super heroes.
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Blakely is sweet and sassy. As someone who lost a loved one far too early in life and thankfully had an older sibling that loved me with the fierceness Brock loves, Blakely forged an instant connection between me and this fictional character.
Renn is a cocky athlete, with the reputation of a player on and off the pitch, but when you see the real man behind the face, the world sees that he is top-book boyfriend material. He was thoughtful, protective, and alpha-swoony.
The chemistry between Blakely and Renn was palpable the moment they were near one another, and that was under the watchful eye of Blakely’s older brother. That wasn’t even a fraction of the explosiveness that came from the push and pull between them. There were moments where it was physical touches that fueled the intensity, but there were also moments where the words that were shared were hot enough to ignite my kindle. They had a physical connection, but it was more than that; they fed one another the passion burning between them with clever banter and whispered innuendo. Anything that may have tried to come between them would have been burned to ash if they even attempted such a thing.
Locke has a way of weaving together laughter, tears, heartache, hope, and an abundance of love that will stay with you long after you read the final word. Blakely and Renn’s story is full of laughter and steam, but there are moments that pulled on a few heartstrings that were directly connected to my tear ducts. As my eyes devoured the words, Blakely and Renn’s emotions steamrolled their way into my heart.
The Proposal is an escape from reality like only Locke can provide. An unputdownable blend of explosive chemistry, a swoony hero, a sassy heroine, laugh-out-loud witty banter, feels, and SUPER HOT steam. Vegas marriage, forced proximity—he falls first PERFECTION.
This isn’t really part of my review, more so than anything it’s meant to offer an understanding of the reality that has been suffocating me. It wasn’t one small thing, and to be honest, it was a handful of rather huge things. I needed an escape and Locke offered me that ten-fold.
Locke’s last few books have started with an introduction from her, saying that her wish is that her words will allow readers an escape. Life hasn’t been kind to me the past year; this week I was drowning in my own health issues, including PTSD flashbacks of when my son was in a coma (5 years ago this week). There’s more, but those are the biggest things that made every moment this week harder and harder to breathe. I had no intention of reading this in one sitting, but it was as though I didn’t have a choice. The Proposal hit my kindle, and everything outside of this fictional world ceased to exist. I smiled, and I shed a tear. I giggled and swooned. I fell in lust, and I fell in love. My heart ached, and my stomach filled with butterflies. This was the reprieve I needed to allow my mind to find peace, my heart to heal, and my soul to feel rejuvenated. I’m ready for life again. Nobody will ever be able to convince me that authors aren’t real-life super heroes.
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Read
November 24, 2023“What’s happening?” I ask, afraid to look.
Ella grins, returning her gaze to the object of her attention. And desire from the looks of it.
I mentally prepare myself for all possibilities—stripper, policeman, mobster. It’s Ella and Vegas. Anything is possible. But despite my attempt at preparation, I’m unequipped for what’s coming our way.
Conversations fall into hushed whispers as I turn around. Eyes widen. Mouths gape. There’s probably drool trickling down chins too, but I can’t look close enough to tell. I’m too busy bracing for impact.
I clutch my bag and watch two men walk toward us.
My brother is oblivious to the energy swirling around him. The man beside him is not.
In Renn Brewer’s defense, it would be impossible not to know the effect he has when he walks into a room. Or a hotel pool area. Even if he didn’t observe the heads turning, proverbial pants dropping—people scrambling for a writing utensil and scrap paper on the off chance he stops for an autograph—he must look in the mirror at some point.
God favors him.
Perfect symmetry. Deep brown eyes beneath heavy brows. Full lips and a jawline that evokes primal, throw-you-over-my-shoulder vibes.
The way Renn fills out a plain white T-shirt should be illegal. Couple that with the Tennessee Royals hat sitting backward on his head, hiding his trademark almost too long, tobacco-colored locks—it’s downright felonious.
“Hey, cutie,” he says, the words reaching me moments before the smooth, warm notes of his cologne toy with my senses. He slides his Aviators off, his lips twisting into a smirk.
A flurry of goose bumps rushes over my skin, intensified by the slight Australian accent he picked up while playing rugby there for the last few years. Somehow, it makes him more attractive, more desirable—an absolute dream.
Ella grins, returning her gaze to the object of her attention. And desire from the looks of it.
I mentally prepare myself for all possibilities—stripper, policeman, mobster. It’s Ella and Vegas. Anything is possible. But despite my attempt at preparation, I’m unequipped for what’s coming our way.
Conversations fall into hushed whispers as I turn around. Eyes widen. Mouths gape. There’s probably drool trickling down chins too, but I can’t look close enough to tell. I’m too busy bracing for impact.
I clutch my bag and watch two men walk toward us.
My brother is oblivious to the energy swirling around him. The man beside him is not.
In Renn Brewer’s defense, it would be impossible not to know the effect he has when he walks into a room. Or a hotel pool area. Even if he didn’t observe the heads turning, proverbial pants dropping—people scrambling for a writing utensil and scrap paper on the off chance he stops for an autograph—he must look in the mirror at some point.
God favors him.
Perfect symmetry. Deep brown eyes beneath heavy brows. Full lips and a jawline that evokes primal, throw-you-over-my-shoulder vibes.
The way Renn fills out a plain white T-shirt should be illegal. Couple that with the Tennessee Royals hat sitting backward on his head, hiding his trademark almost too long, tobacco-colored locks—it’s downright felonious.
“Hey, cutie,” he says, the words reaching me moments before the smooth, warm notes of his cologne toy with my senses. He slides his Aviators off, his lips twisting into a smirk.
A flurry of goose bumps rushes over my skin, intensified by the slight Australian accent he picked up while playing rugby there for the last few years. Somehow, it makes him more attractive, more desirable—an absolute dream.
March 5, 2025
The Proposal is a brother's best friend rom-com following Blakely and Renn as they drunkenly tie the knot in Vegas after a wild night out for Blakley's 30th birthday. Despite their years of friendship and flirting, the two are abhorred with their impulsive decision. However, knowing the media and how cruel they can be, Renn proposes they stay married for three months to let the press die down.
This was such a sweet and satisfying romance! While Renn and Blakely’s relationship developed quickly, their years of friendship and mutual attraction made it feel completely natural. They were adorable together, and I couldn’t get over how utterly whipped Renn was for her. He was completely devoted to keeping her safe and happy; the man was always thinking of her and her alone, and it was so cute. While the romance itself was rather simple, the tropes and steam were executed perfectly, making for a fun and swoony read. I can't wait to dive into more books from this series!
~Many thanks to Hambright PR for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
This was such a sweet and satisfying romance! While Renn and Blakely’s relationship developed quickly, their years of friendship and mutual attraction made it feel completely natural. They were adorable together, and I couldn’t get over how utterly whipped Renn was for her. He was completely devoted to keeping her safe and happy; the man was always thinking of her and her alone, and it was so cute. While the romance itself was rather simple, the tropes and steam were executed perfectly, making for a fun and swoony read. I can't wait to dive into more books from this series!
~Many thanks to Hambright PR for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
August 15, 2023
Adriana has taken her writing to a whole new level because Renn Brewer is unlike any of her hero’s before and I am head over heals for this character!
If you have read previous Locke books Renn is a mix of some her most beloved characters. His charm, wit and ego mixed with his humor, generous nature and big heart make him irresistible!
The chemistry between him and Brinkley is felt immediately! There is no denying the heat between these two but it can’t happen for more than one reason! Mix a little alcohol with that desire and well what you get it a beautiful love story with twists and turns you won’t expect!
I love the little Easter eggs sprinkled in this book. I love when authors give us some of their previous characters even if it’s name dropping!!
For me personally this is my favorite Locke book. I just can’t help but smile when I think of these two! I couldn’t put the book down and found myself crying happy tears like a weirdo because of how amazing everything just came together. I hope we get more of the Brewers because this is going to be one FUN family!
If you have read previous Locke books Renn is a mix of some her most beloved characters. His charm, wit and ego mixed with his humor, generous nature and big heart make him irresistible!
The chemistry between him and Brinkley is felt immediately! There is no denying the heat between these two but it can’t happen for more than one reason! Mix a little alcohol with that desire and well what you get it a beautiful love story with twists and turns you won’t expect!
I love the little Easter eggs sprinkled in this book. I love when authors give us some of their previous characters even if it’s name dropping!!
For me personally this is my favorite Locke book. I just can’t help but smile when I think of these two! I couldn’t put the book down and found myself crying happy tears like a weirdo because of how amazing everything just came together. I hope we get more of the Brewers because this is going to be one FUN family!
August 14, 2023
Thank you Valentine PR and Adriana Locke for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was my first Adriana Locke book and I was absolutely blown away! I was not expecting to love this as much as I did, but I literally could not put it down. It was witty, it was sexy, it was heart-warming, it was swoony, it was everything I love in a book! Renn and Blakley were amazing MCs and I loved reading about them. Their chemistry was off the charts, I laughed out loud so many times. The side characters also really had the opportunity to shine in this book: Ella, Brock, Foxx, EVERYONE added to the story! Loved this so much!
This was my first Adriana Locke book and I was absolutely blown away! I was not expecting to love this as much as I did, but I literally could not put it down. It was witty, it was sexy, it was heart-warming, it was swoony, it was everything I love in a book! Renn and Blakley were amazing MCs and I loved reading about them. Their chemistry was off the charts, I laughed out loud so many times. The side characters also really had the opportunity to shine in this book: Ella, Brock, Foxx, EVERYONE added to the story! Loved this so much!
March 27, 2024
3.5 stars
The Proposal was a cute brother’s best friend romance by Adriana Locke. I enjoy the Oops… we got married in Vegas troupe. Renn and Blakely have known each other a long time and there has always been attraction there, but neither has gone there due to her big brother, Renn’s friend and teammate. Renn plays professional Rugby with Blakey’s brother.
There was some over-the-top family drama with Renn’s dad, but aside from that the book was a sweet and easy read.
The Proposal was a cute brother’s best friend romance by Adriana Locke. I enjoy the Oops… we got married in Vegas troupe. Renn and Blakely have known each other a long time and there has always been attraction there, but neither has gone there due to her big brother, Renn’s friend and teammate. Renn plays professional Rugby with Blakey’s brother.
There was some over-the-top family drama with Renn’s dad, but aside from that the book was a sweet and easy read.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: John Lane & Avery Caris
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 8h 17m
September 12, 2023
Story: 2 ⭐️
Steam: 3.5 🔥 light/med smut
Audio: 5 🎧
I really wanted to love this book. The tropes sounded like a perfect combo and I was stoked to read it! This was my first read from this author so I was excited to finally read her work. Unfortunately, the book overall just didn’t work for me. I don’t know if it was the writing or the story or a combination of both but I was just not loving it.
The main plot was a marriage of convenience between a rugby player and his best friends little sister. So, I expected some rugby and a tension packed, secret feelings, longing glances, stolen moments fling between the main characters. The rugby was in off season so we didn’t get much if any rugby which was a bummer. And from page one our leads were already very blatantly into each other and everyone knew it. There wasn’t much for pining or secret longing because their banter was immediately sexual, right in front of her brother. The marriage of convenience was an after thought to drunkenly getting married in Vegas. It was all just pretty flat to me and didn’t keep me interested. There were also a LOT of side characters that made me feel like maybe I was missing some backstory. I don’t know if they’re from other books from this author but having not read her work before it just felt a bit overwhelming.
As for the writing style, I don’t know if this is just how the author writes or if it was just this book but she does this thing where she writes mini flashbacks of dialogue that just happened not that long ago. Which would be fine if it was once or twice but it seems to happen every chapter and it got a little annoying. Feels like the author was just trying to meet a word count requirement. I didn’t feel like it added to the story and was just distracting.
Overall, I don’t think this book was a good fit for me. Seems like a lot of people like it though, so if you’re into instalust and have enjoyed this author, I think it would be a good match! I’d be willing to give this author another try but for me, this one is a no.
Steam: 3.5 🔥 light/med smut
Audio: 5 🎧
I really wanted to love this book. The tropes sounded like a perfect combo and I was stoked to read it! This was my first read from this author so I was excited to finally read her work. Unfortunately, the book overall just didn’t work for me. I don’t know if it was the writing or the story or a combination of both but I was just not loving it.
The main plot was a marriage of convenience between a rugby player and his best friends little sister. So, I expected some rugby and a tension packed, secret feelings, longing glances, stolen moments fling between the main characters. The rugby was in off season so we didn’t get much if any rugby which was a bummer. And from page one our leads were already very blatantly into each other and everyone knew it. There wasn’t much for pining or secret longing because their banter was immediately sexual, right in front of her brother. The marriage of convenience was an after thought to drunkenly getting married in Vegas. It was all just pretty flat to me and didn’t keep me interested. There were also a LOT of side characters that made me feel like maybe I was missing some backstory. I don’t know if they’re from other books from this author but having not read her work before it just felt a bit overwhelming.
As for the writing style, I don’t know if this is just how the author writes or if it was just this book but she does this thing where she writes mini flashbacks of dialogue that just happened not that long ago. Which would be fine if it was once or twice but it seems to happen every chapter and it got a little annoying. Feels like the author was just trying to meet a word count requirement. I didn’t feel like it added to the story and was just distracting.
Overall, I don’t think this book was a good fit for me. Seems like a lot of people like it though, so if you’re into instalust and have enjoyed this author, I think it would be a good match! I’d be willing to give this author another try but for me, this one is a no.
August 25, 2023
I lovvveeeed this book! I was literally laughing out loud at points, and I loved Renn. He is my new book boyfriend, the misunderstood bad boy. A fake marriage, best friend’s younger sister, celebrity trope plot line that originates in Vegas. The llama 🦙 is an excellent witness, btw. There are excellent side characters that I could see potentially going into a series. There are also extremely pun¢hable characters that I was rooting for them to have the day that they deserve. All of that combined for a book that I didn’t want to put down.
Blakely is turning 30 and is not handling it well. She is ringing it in by celebrating in Vegas with her best friend. One last hurrah before getting excited about appliances, finding a husband and starting a family. Only she wakes up married. To her brother’s best friend and the resident bad boy of the rugby league. Oh. Oh no.
Blakely is turning 30 and is not handling it well. She is ringing it in by celebrating in Vegas with her best friend. One last hurrah before getting excited about appliances, finding a husband and starting a family. Only she wakes up married. To her brother’s best friend and the resident bad boy of the rugby league. Oh. Oh no.
September 14, 2023
3.25 “Tate” stars
📌 Fake Relationship **
📌 Marriage of (In)convenience
📌 Sports Romance (Rugby Star) **
📌 BFF’s Little Sister/Big Brother’s BFF (whichever phrasing you prefer)
📌 Insta-lust
**
I really wanted to like this more than I did, but tbh, I was particularly underwhelmed by the first 60%-ish. Considering the first 3 tropes above are some of my preferred romance tropes & I’ve enjoyed many of Locke’s various past family series books(especially the Masons & Landrys), you’d think with that many things in its favor would be a winning combination.
What holds TP back from being anything more than passable is a combination of the latter insta-lust trope & that both the story & the heroine were underdeveloped (imo). Honestly, anything insta — be it lust or love — is seldom gonna be my cuppa. SO if insta-lust/love works for you, skip past this & enjoy. However, if you’re like me ⬇️ …
The heavy-handed, mutual preexisting insta-lust between them was no secret. It was common knowledge for everyone that knew them, including the h & H being completely aware the other felt that way. So there was no room to progress their chemistry or even their feelings without wrapping up the story hell of a lot faster. Idk…for a stretch, story came off rather surface level(a common problem in any insta-lust/love romance imho), like all their accidental marriage changed was that it green-lit a highlight reel of their sexcapades. So I felt like I was put in no man’s land the way it read — not given much of a chance to care about either or to want them together. The ramifications & their decisions made after their accidental wedding didn’t carry much weight until late in the book when they .
It didn’t help me either that Blakely(h) particularly came off basic. As she appears to be a suddenly reforming (semi) wild child only because she’s turning 30. I think she’s supposed to read as though she has this magnetic personality, but that didn’t translate effectively. Tbh she read as a rather generic type & a bit unfinished. The details like her backstory didn’t feel tangible, so the character didn’t elicit sympathy or relatability from me as the reader that she likely was supposed to.
In AL’s various family series’, there’s typically at least one brother(maybe two)/hero who’s a like a combo of fun-loving troublemaker & ‘golden retriever’. Renn’s basically a amalgamation of those brothers from each series. But like a lite version. So solid enough, yet not as memorable as say Lincoln (Swing) [still one of my absolute favorite heroes 🥰] or Boone(Reckless) or Banks(Flaunt). So he definitely popped off the page sooner (& better tbh) than his h. Also being easier to connect to, stuck his character with the heavy lifting in the first half.
Oddly enough, with only a few interactions, I found Renn’s banter with his PA, Astrid, more entertaining than any with Blakely in the first 2/3s. This may only be me, but AL missed this better angle for the plot imho. I think Astrid & Blakely should’ve been merged together into one character as the heroine. She could still be Renn’s bbf’s little sister, but also his PA (like as a favor to her brother) & drop the blatant insta-lust. Embrace their back & forth humor, & make their accidental wedding more of a shock & adjustment.
To my knowledge, this is a standalone atm, but definitely sets up quite easily to kick off a new family series centering around Renn’s siblings. I’m interested if that’s the case, especially Tate’s 😉. —The remaining story was more of what I’m use to from AL once h & H returned home & Renn’s family became part of the story. — Although I’m certainly not interested in any more content with Renn’s father. I don’t remember the last time I wanted a fictional character dead so much as I wish someone had ended Renn(H)’s father. He is a disgusting SOB 😤.
Last, but not least…
The Foxx Carmichael cameo probably had me the most jazzed to finally find out wtf he does for a living 😂 & an actual glimpse of what his personality is like. AND no, the double X in Foxx does not allude to a hidden porn star career 🤪.
📌 Fake Relationship **
📌 Marriage of (In)convenience
📌 Sports Romance (Rugby Star) **
📌 BFF’s Little Sister/Big Brother’s BFF (whichever phrasing you prefer)
📌 Insta-lust
**
I really wanted to like this more than I did, but tbh, I was particularly underwhelmed by the first 60%-ish. Considering the first 3 tropes above are some of my preferred romance tropes & I’ve enjoyed many of Locke’s various past family series books(especially the Masons & Landrys), you’d think with that many things in its favor would be a winning combination.
What holds TP back from being anything more than passable is a combination of the latter insta-lust trope & that both the story & the heroine were underdeveloped (imo). Honestly, anything insta — be it lust or love — is seldom gonna be my cuppa. SO if insta-lust/love works for you, skip past this & enjoy. However, if you’re like me ⬇️ …
The heavy-handed, mutual preexisting insta-lust between them was no secret. It was common knowledge for everyone that knew them, including the h & H being completely aware the other felt that way. So there was no room to progress their chemistry or even their feelings without wrapping up the story hell of a lot faster. Idk…for a stretch, story came off rather surface level(a common problem in any insta-lust/love romance imho), like all their accidental marriage changed was that it green-lit a highlight reel of their sexcapades. So I felt like I was put in no man’s land the way it read — not given much of a chance to care about either or to want them together. The ramifications & their decisions made after their accidental wedding didn’t carry much weight until late in the book when they .
It didn’t help me either that Blakely(h) particularly came off basic. As she appears to be a suddenly reforming (semi) wild child only because she’s turning 30. I think she’s supposed to read as though she has this magnetic personality, but that didn’t translate effectively. Tbh she read as a rather generic type & a bit unfinished. The details like her backstory didn’t feel tangible, so the character didn’t elicit sympathy or relatability from me as the reader that she likely was supposed to.
In AL’s various family series’, there’s typically at least one brother(maybe two)/hero who’s a like a combo of fun-loving troublemaker & ‘golden retriever’. Renn’s basically a amalgamation of those brothers from each series. But like a lite version. So solid enough, yet not as memorable as say Lincoln (Swing) [still one of my absolute favorite heroes 🥰] or Boone(Reckless) or Banks(Flaunt). So he definitely popped off the page sooner (& better tbh) than his h. Also being easier to connect to, stuck his character with the heavy lifting in the first half.
Oddly enough, with only a few interactions, I found Renn’s banter with his PA, Astrid, more entertaining than any with Blakely in the first 2/3s. This may only be me, but AL missed this better angle for the plot imho. I think Astrid & Blakely should’ve been merged together into one character as the heroine. She could still be Renn’s bbf’s little sister, but also his PA (like as a favor to her brother) & drop the blatant insta-lust. Embrace their back & forth humor, & make their accidental wedding more of a shock & adjustment.
To my knowledge, this is a standalone atm, but definitely sets up quite easily to kick off a new family series centering around Renn’s siblings. I’m interested if that’s the case, especially Tate’s 😉. —The remaining story was more of what I’m use to from AL once h & H returned home & Renn’s family became part of the story. — Although I’m certainly not interested in any more content with Renn’s father. I don’t remember the last time I wanted a fictional character dead so much as I wish someone had ended Renn(H)’s father. He is a disgusting SOB 😤.
Last, but not least…
The Foxx Carmichael cameo probably had me the most jazzed to finally find out wtf he does for a living 😂 & an actual glimpse of what his personality is like. AND no, the double X in Foxx does not allude to a hidden porn star career 🤪.
May 20, 2024
4.5 Stars!
When the main characters have so much good traits in them, and you feel their chemistry right from the very beginning, then you know you're gonna end up loving the book! That's what The Proposal by Adriana Locke did to me.
Rugby's bad boy Renn Brewer and his teammate's younger sister Blakely Evans have always have this 'thing' going on since they knew each other. They were teasing each other and were almost close to giving in to their undeniable sexual tension. However, they continued to resist it and knew their limits as Blakely's bother Brock is against it because wants to protect his sister from Renn's reputation. On Blakely's 30th birthday, she celebrated it with her brother, bestfriend Ella, and Renn. The drinking, flirting, and teasing eventually led to Blakely and Renn accidentally getting married!
I rarely encounter accidental marriage tropes in books but when I do, it is always a hit. Hello, Shine Not Burn and Well Hung! This book was a win for me because Renn was such a great male MC and Blakely was not annoying. They both handled the situation maturely. And despite the fact that Renn was dubbed as a bad boy in public, he proved that he was not that kind of person and he actually loves his family more than anyone else.
I enjoyed Blakely and Renn's interactions. Their banters and teasings and they way their romance progressed in such a sweet way. There was a little drama in the near-end and I kind of felt off with Renn's father, but I'm glad it went away easily and was quickly resolved. The ending made me smile. Those are the kind of endings that I don't really expect (in a good way). This is my first Adriana Locke book and I so loved her writing! I look forward to reading more of her works.
"There's a difference between a fling, feelings, and forever."
When the main characters have so much good traits in them, and you feel their chemistry right from the very beginning, then you know you're gonna end up loving the book! That's what The Proposal by Adriana Locke did to me.
Rugby's bad boy Renn Brewer and his teammate's younger sister Blakely Evans have always have this 'thing' going on since they knew each other. They were teasing each other and were almost close to giving in to their undeniable sexual tension. However, they continued to resist it and knew their limits as Blakely's bother Brock is against it because wants to protect his sister from Renn's reputation. On Blakely's 30th birthday, she celebrated it with her brother, bestfriend Ella, and Renn. The drinking, flirting, and teasing eventually led to Blakely and Renn accidentally getting married!
I rarely encounter accidental marriage tropes in books but when I do, it is always a hit. Hello, Shine Not Burn and Well Hung! This book was a win for me because Renn was such a great male MC and Blakely was not annoying. They both handled the situation maturely. And despite the fact that Renn was dubbed as a bad boy in public, he proved that he was not that kind of person and he actually loves his family more than anyone else.
I enjoyed Blakely and Renn's interactions. Their banters and teasings and they way their romance progressed in such a sweet way. There was a little drama in the near-end and I kind of felt off with Renn's father, but I'm glad it went away easily and was quickly resolved. The ending made me smile. Those are the kind of endings that I don't really expect (in a good way). This is my first Adriana Locke book and I so loved her writing! I look forward to reading more of her works.
"I married Blakely Evans. For once, I made a great choice."
October 26, 2025
Interesting somewhat plot but I found it lacking depth and I couldn't get into their connection. It felt quite immature their characters for their age to be honest. There were a lot of inconsistencies in their declarations towards each other
June 4, 2024
I could read her stories all day long! I absolutely love this one. Renn and Blakely are amazing. Swoon!
November 29, 2025
Otro libro que empiezo solo por la portada 🫣
Durante muchos años Renn y Blakely tienen un tipo de coqueteo pero nada más, Blakely es hermana del mejor amigo y Renn es un mujeriego que es todo lo contrario a lo que ella busca, los dos saben que es algo que no puede ocurrir hasta que unos tragos en la Vegas les cambia la vida.
Esperaba un poco más de esta historia, siento que en si es muy corta y hay muchas cosas que la autora deja al aire y nunca explica, me hubiera gustado más profundidad y más explicación en varia cosa, eso sí el libro se lee solo de verdad así que para un bloqueo o cuando quieres algo muy ligero es tu tipo de libro.
Igual quiero seguir con los demás por qué es ven muy interesantes.
PD: me encanto la mamá de esta familia, una reina por cómo se defendió.
Durante muchos años Renn y Blakely tienen un tipo de coqueteo pero nada más, Blakely es hermana del mejor amigo y Renn es un mujeriego que es todo lo contrario a lo que ella busca, los dos saben que es algo que no puede ocurrir hasta que unos tragos en la Vegas les cambia la vida.
Esperaba un poco más de esta historia, siento que en si es muy corta y hay muchas cosas que la autora deja al aire y nunca explica, me hubiera gustado más profundidad y más explicación en varia cosa, eso sí el libro se lee solo de verdad así que para un bloqueo o cuando quieres algo muy ligero es tu tipo de libro.
Igual quiero seguir con los demás por qué es ven muy interesantes.
PD: me encanto la mamá de esta familia, una reina por cómo se defendió.
March 1, 2025
There was exactly 0 emotional depth. It was so incredibly insta-lusty and I did not buy the two of them actually loved each other. Lots of telling and not showing. It didn’t work for me 🥲
September 11, 2023
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
This is the perfect start to a new series and from the beginning I already wanted a book to every single one of Renn's siblings. Gimme Tate, or even Bianca with her dominant neighbor, and I'm sold!
Back to this story... Blakely and Renn have known each other for years, and they have an amazing relationship, since he's her brother's best friend and teammate.
From chapter one we can see that their lust is mutual and that the sexual tension is up to high levels, even in front of their friends. It's like that couple that everyone knows it's just a matter of time until they bang their brains out! 😂😂
The book is a bit on the short side, and for that I was missing something, cause I feel like we could have had a lot more of development into their back stories, like... Renn was a professional rugby player, but we haven't seen any kind of playing or even training, and that would be great to see, cause I like the sport.
I loved their wild night in Vegas, followed by their steamy sexcapade to Australia, and I wish they had remembered bits and pieces of their shenanigans at the end, cause that would have been entertaining to listen.
Renn was 100% husband material though, and the way he cared, protected and desired Blakely were chef's kiss!
ALSOOOOO if you read/listened to the Carmichael's (which I loved by the way), you'll be really happy to FINALLY find out what Foxx does for a living, cause yep... He's part of this book too and I was giggling when he first showed up!
The end was sweet and special, and I really hope to see more of these characters.
🎧 About the Audiobook Narration 🎧
Narrated by John Lane and Avery Caris and it was a great narration with lots of laughable moments!
This is the perfect start to a new series and from the beginning I already wanted a book to every single one of Renn's siblings. Gimme Tate, or even Bianca with her dominant neighbor, and I'm sold!
Back to this story... Blakely and Renn have known each other for years, and they have an amazing relationship, since he's her brother's best friend and teammate.
From chapter one we can see that their lust is mutual and that the sexual tension is up to high levels, even in front of their friends. It's like that couple that everyone knows it's just a matter of time until they bang their brains out! 😂😂
The book is a bit on the short side, and for that I was missing something, cause I feel like we could have had a lot more of development into their back stories, like... Renn was a professional rugby player, but we haven't seen any kind of playing or even training, and that would be great to see, cause I like the sport.
I loved their wild night in Vegas, followed by their steamy sexcapade to Australia, and I wish they had remembered bits and pieces of their shenanigans at the end, cause that would have been entertaining to listen.
Renn was 100% husband material though, and the way he cared, protected and desired Blakely were chef's kiss!
ALSOOOOO if you read/listened to the Carmichael's (which I loved by the way), you'll be really happy to FINALLY find out what Foxx does for a living, cause yep... He's part of this book too and I was giggling when he first showed up!
The end was sweet and special, and I really hope to see more of these characters.
🎧 About the Audiobook Narration 🎧
Narrated by John Lane and Avery Caris and it was a great narration with lots of laughable moments!
March 25, 2025
Mocny średniaczek
March 3, 2025
Nie spodziewałam się, że będzie ona aż taka dobra
March 30, 2025
“I think this is what marriage should be like. If you’re going to spend your whole life with someone, shouldn’t it be sex on the table and chocolate cake in the bath?”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
The Proposal is sexy, sweet, witty, swoony , heartwarming and spicy. There were so many LOL moments. The banter was great. I was fortunate to win this eARC on FB from Adriana. Well, she gained a new fan because this book is spectacular. Anyone that knows me knows I love sports romance books. My interest was peaked as soon as I saw bad boy Rugby player, marriage of convenience, best friend sister, and Vegas wedding tropes. Then throw in awesome side characters and a llama as a witness. I’m all in. I LOVE THIS BOOK!
Blakely is turning 30 and she and her friend are celebrating in Vegas. Her brother and best friend show up to celebrate with her..She isn’t handling turning 30 well. After this trip she plans on settling down and living a more mature adult lifestyle. So, in her last hurrah she goes out on the town to let loose and make her last night in her 20’s memorable. Blakely succeeded by waking up married to rugby’s bad boy Renn Brewer and the media is aware. Oh.. and he’s her brother‘s best friend. Oops! So Renn proposes if they can stay married for 90 days to save face for the both of them.
The chemistry between Blakely and Renn is off the charts. You can feel the tension right from the start. They have always been very flirty with each other but they knew they couldn’t cross that line. Then Renn strolls in with his dirty talking mouth and backs it up with his sexy moves. Ugh… it was hot af. This book is a definite must read.
I’m excited for Foxx’s story. I hope she will write books for the rest of the Brewer clan. They will make a great series. I’m especially interested in Bianca and her Dom neighbor. 🤔 Thank you Adriana for the eARC.. 🤌🏼🫶🏼
ALC REVIEW
I was hooked from the very beginning. John Lane’s sultry, deep voice is exactly how I pictured Renn to sound. Avery Caris played Blakely. Her sweet, sexy voice fit Blakely’s character perfectly. I loved this duo’s performance.
THANK YOU SO MUCH ADRIANA & HAMBRIGHT FOR THE AUDIOBOOK!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
The Proposal is sexy, sweet, witty, swoony , heartwarming and spicy. There were so many LOL moments. The banter was great. I was fortunate to win this eARC on FB from Adriana. Well, she gained a new fan because this book is spectacular. Anyone that knows me knows I love sports romance books. My interest was peaked as soon as I saw bad boy Rugby player, marriage of convenience, best friend sister, and Vegas wedding tropes. Then throw in awesome side characters and a llama as a witness. I’m all in. I LOVE THIS BOOK!
Blakely is turning 30 and she and her friend are celebrating in Vegas. Her brother and best friend show up to celebrate with her..She isn’t handling turning 30 well. After this trip she plans on settling down and living a more mature adult lifestyle. So, in her last hurrah she goes out on the town to let loose and make her last night in her 20’s memorable. Blakely succeeded by waking up married to rugby’s bad boy Renn Brewer and the media is aware. Oh.. and he’s her brother‘s best friend. Oops! So Renn proposes if they can stay married for 90 days to save face for the both of them.
The chemistry between Blakely and Renn is off the charts. You can feel the tension right from the start. They have always been very flirty with each other but they knew they couldn’t cross that line. Then Renn strolls in with his dirty talking mouth and backs it up with his sexy moves. Ugh… it was hot af. This book is a definite must read.
I’m excited for Foxx’s story. I hope she will write books for the rest of the Brewer clan. They will make a great series. I’m especially interested in Bianca and her Dom neighbor. 🤔 Thank you Adriana for the eARC.. 🤌🏼🫶🏼
ALC REVIEW
I was hooked from the very beginning. John Lane’s sultry, deep voice is exactly how I pictured Renn to sound. Avery Caris played Blakely. Her sweet, sexy voice fit Blakely’s character perfectly. I loved this duo’s performance.
THANK YOU SO MUCH ADRIANA & HAMBRIGHT FOR THE AUDIOBOOK!!
August 14, 2023
BE STILL MY HEART!! I looooooooooved this book. Be back with my review
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OMG! I freaking loved this book!! I honestly couldn’t put it down. Renn and Blakely gave me ALL. THE. FEELS. These two had been friends for many years. Blakely thought Renn was attractive, but never thought it would be reciprocated. Renn is a caring, good man and when they suddenly find themselves in a media storm because of drunken actions, Renn is fiercely protective of her. I loved watching the shift between these friends to lovers. This was such a sweet, swoony read and I can’t recommend it enough! Please don’t let this book pass you by!
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OMG! I freaking loved this book!! I honestly couldn’t put it down. Renn and Blakely gave me ALL. THE. FEELS. These two had been friends for many years. Blakely thought Renn was attractive, but never thought it would be reciprocated. Renn is a caring, good man and when they suddenly find themselves in a media storm because of drunken actions, Renn is fiercely protective of her. I loved watching the shift between these friends to lovers. This was such a sweet, swoony read and I can’t recommend it enough! Please don’t let this book pass you by!
March 27, 2024
”Breaking News: Rugby’s bad boy marries his best friend’s little sister.”
THE PROPOSAL
● Blakely (30) & Renn
● Renn is rugby bad boy
● Blakely is in Vegas for her 30th birthday
● Blakely’s older brother is on the team with Renn
● Renn & Blakely wake up married (they don’t remember getting married in Vegas)
● Renn convinces her to stay married for 3 months and he’ll give her a baby
● at the end of the book- Renn’s dad drama with Blakely was OTT
THE PROPOSAL
● Blakely (30) & Renn
● Renn is rugby bad boy
● Blakely is in Vegas for her 30th birthday
● Blakely’s older brother is on the team with Renn
● Renn & Blakely wake up married (they don’t remember getting married in Vegas)
● Renn convinces her to stay married for 3 months and he’ll give her a baby
● at the end of the book- Renn’s dad drama with Blakely was OTT
Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: John Lane & Avery Caris
Length: 8H 17M
January 12, 2025
se casó en las Vegas borracha con el mejor amigo de su hermano con el que siempre está en tensión.
este libro no tiene desperdicio, léanlo.
este libro no tiene desperdicio, léanlo.
September 9, 2023
Update: I was provided an audio arc of this book via the author and it was just as amazing as the print. The spicy scenes and the banter really shine in the audio version. The narrators did an amazing job bringing the characters to life without being over the top. I didn't notice in the first read through that Renn had a bit of an Australian accent from his time spent playing rugby there and the male narrator throws in a few Australian accented words and phrases from time to time which was a nice touch to make his character authentic.
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and Valentine PR, all opinions are my own.
This is a new standalone by Adriana so you can read it without having read any of her other series. It does however mention other characters from other series but only one plays a major role. If you have been keeping up with the Carmichael Family series, we finally get some information about the eldest and most elusive brother Foxx and what he does for a living. Foxx's book comes out this fall which I'm super excited for, but you don't have to be caught up with that series to dive into this. This has the potential to be another family series, which is what Adriana is best known for, and I hope a Brewer Family series is in the works!
On to the actual book...this follows Blakely on the even of her 30th birthday. She and her bestie Ella are relaxing by the pool planning a night of debauchery in Las Vegas when her older brother and his best friend Renn crash their girls weekend. Renn and Blakely have always been drawn to each other, but out of respect for her brother nothing more than flirting ever occurred. No one is more surprised and Renn and Blakely when they wake up to news that they drunkenly got married the night before when they were left alone unsupervised. Blakely wanted to do something big for her birthday, but that was not what she envisioned.
Blakely has been drug through the mud in the media from a past relationship, and Renn is rugby's bad boy. While they have been friends for years and they are attracted to each other, marriage is not something either of them wanted out of this weekend let alone to each other. When Renn proposes a honeymoon of sorts to get them out of the eyes of the media frenzy and to talk out their next steps, Blakely and Renn come up with a plan neither of them expected. He proposes that they stay married to protect both of their images and pretend as if they are in love for atleast 90 days.
This is one of Addy's spicier books. Renn lives up to his bad boy reputation in everyway, and Blakely is there for it. At the same time, he is respectful of her needs and feelings. He doesn't pressure her into doing things she doesn't want to do, and he does his best to protect her from the vultures that are trying to exploit them and their new relationship. I enjoyed getting to see the interaction of the Brewer family. There are some tense moments between them and the family dynamics are unlike any that I've seen the author write before. I also loved the relationship between Ella and Blakely and Blakely and her brother Brock. There are some angsty moments, but they are quickly resolved.
As I mentioned, I do hope this is the beginning of a new series focused on the Brewer family. If not I always look forward to anything Adriana writes.
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and Valentine PR, all opinions are my own.
This is a new standalone by Adriana so you can read it without having read any of her other series. It does however mention other characters from other series but only one plays a major role. If you have been keeping up with the Carmichael Family series, we finally get some information about the eldest and most elusive brother Foxx and what he does for a living. Foxx's book comes out this fall which I'm super excited for, but you don't have to be caught up with that series to dive into this. This has the potential to be another family series, which is what Adriana is best known for, and I hope a Brewer Family series is in the works!
On to the actual book...this follows Blakely on the even of her 30th birthday. She and her bestie Ella are relaxing by the pool planning a night of debauchery in Las Vegas when her older brother and his best friend Renn crash their girls weekend. Renn and Blakely have always been drawn to each other, but out of respect for her brother nothing more than flirting ever occurred. No one is more surprised and Renn and Blakely when they wake up to news that they drunkenly got married the night before when they were left alone unsupervised. Blakely wanted to do something big for her birthday, but that was not what she envisioned.
Blakely has been drug through the mud in the media from a past relationship, and Renn is rugby's bad boy. While they have been friends for years and they are attracted to each other, marriage is not something either of them wanted out of this weekend let alone to each other. When Renn proposes a honeymoon of sorts to get them out of the eyes of the media frenzy and to talk out their next steps, Blakely and Renn come up with a plan neither of them expected. He proposes that they stay married to protect both of their images and pretend as if they are in love for atleast 90 days.
This is one of Addy's spicier books. Renn lives up to his bad boy reputation in everyway, and Blakely is there for it. At the same time, he is respectful of her needs and feelings. He doesn't pressure her into doing things she doesn't want to do, and he does his best to protect her from the vultures that are trying to exploit them and their new relationship. I enjoyed getting to see the interaction of the Brewer family. There are some tense moments between them and the family dynamics are unlike any that I've seen the author write before. I also loved the relationship between Ella and Blakely and Blakely and her brother Brock. There are some angsty moments, but they are quickly resolved.
As I mentioned, I do hope this is the beginning of a new series focused on the Brewer family. If not I always look forward to anything Adriana writes.
March 21, 2025
This one was an absolute delight—fun, flirty, and filled with top-tier banter and spice! It delivers a sizzling marriage of convenience romance featuring Renn, a bad-boy rugby star, and Blakely, his best friend’s little sister. An accidental Vegas wedding turns into a tempting 90-day deal, and the result is pure magic.
The chemistry between Renn and Blakely is off the charts, with witty, laugh-out-loud dialogue and just the right amount of tension. The spice? Perfection! And while it’s packed with fun and heat, there’s also plenty of heart—Renn is more than just a reckless athlete, and Blakely holds her own.
If you love fake marriage, brother’s best friend, and sports romance tropes, this book is a must-read. It is a romance that’s both addicting and full of feels! 💍🔥✨
The chemistry between Renn and Blakely is off the charts, with witty, laugh-out-loud dialogue and just the right amount of tension. The spice? Perfection! And while it’s packed with fun and heat, there’s also plenty of heart—Renn is more than just a reckless athlete, and Blakely holds her own.
If you love fake marriage, brother’s best friend, and sports romance tropes, this book is a must-read. It is a romance that’s both addicting and full of feels! 💍🔥✨
May 1, 2024
i didn't know what to expect with this one but i really had fun reading it.
the proposal follows blakely as she tries to fend off a mental breakdown on her 30th birthday. single and trying to figure out what she's going to do with herself is not the kind of birthday celebration she had hoped for. her and her friend ella are in vegas, trying to make the most out of her birthday and celebrations are crashed by her brother and his best friend, renn. renn could charm anyone but whenever you put the two of them in a room together, he's only got eyes for blakely. he spends his days flirting with her and when the opportunity presents itself, he takes her for a night out to give her a great welcome into her 30s. so great in fact that she remembers nothing from the night before despite everyone yelling at her the morning after about it. it seems that, in a drunken stupor, her and renn got hitched which might not be the worst thing they could've done.
the two agree to a 90 day marriage to help with damage control and we all know what happens in a marriage of convenience with a deadline.... don't act like you don't know where this is going lol.
i really liked renn. he was solid and good and didn't give you any kind of doubts about his intentions. i feel like everything was just conveniently laid out for our characters up until the scene with his dad... which is where i kinda rolled my eyes a bit. but once i let go of that hangup i was having a good time. i liked our characters and wish we had a little more time to flesh them out
the proposal follows blakely as she tries to fend off a mental breakdown on her 30th birthday. single and trying to figure out what she's going to do with herself is not the kind of birthday celebration she had hoped for. her and her friend ella are in vegas, trying to make the most out of her birthday and celebrations are crashed by her brother and his best friend, renn. renn could charm anyone but whenever you put the two of them in a room together, he's only got eyes for blakely. he spends his days flirting with her and when the opportunity presents itself, he takes her for a night out to give her a great welcome into her 30s. so great in fact that she remembers nothing from the night before despite everyone yelling at her the morning after about it. it seems that, in a drunken stupor, her and renn got hitched which might not be the worst thing they could've done.
the two agree to a 90 day marriage to help with damage control and we all know what happens in a marriage of convenience with a deadline.... don't act like you don't know where this is going lol.
i really liked renn. he was solid and good and didn't give you any kind of doubts about his intentions. i feel like everything was just conveniently laid out for our characters up until the scene with his dad... which is where i kinda rolled my eyes a bit. but once i let go of that hangup i was having a good time. i liked our characters and wish we had a little more time to flesh them out
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2024
DNF @55%
this was just not very enjoyable. Adriana Locke is a hit or miss author for me, but I'm determined to find a book from her I love. This was a little too over the top and shallow for me to feel any connection to the characters or their relationship. I felt like I was missing part of the characters histroy and connections and didn't know what was going on at the beginning.
this was just not very enjoyable. Adriana Locke is a hit or miss author for me, but I'm determined to find a book from her I love. This was a little too over the top and shallow for me to feel any connection to the characters or their relationship. I felt like I was missing part of the characters histroy and connections and didn't know what was going on at the beginning.
August 26, 2023
1 🌟
Dnf @66%
I disliked this with a passion . ✨
Poorly written. Characters weren't fleshed out. The plot was meh. This just wasn't it
Dnf @66%
I disliked this with a passion . ✨
Poorly written. Characters weren't fleshed out. The plot was meh. This just wasn't it
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January 25, 2025
You guys. I tried hard to rate this at least two stars but I simply can’t. This book is so bad I honestly can’t believe I made it through that. I wanted to DNF so many times. The plot made no sense at any point. The writing was so bad. This book was in desperate-need of an editor, a rewrite and some real time given to writing an even half-way decent story. I feel like authors are just pumping multiple books a year to make money and it shows. The premise of this book wasn’t horrible, but the execution absolutely was. I’m not sure why I picked up this book, I haven’t read an AL book in 4 years. I liked a couple series of hers in like 2018, but my reading tastes have changed over the years and I’m sure her writing has too, idk. I had fond memories of her books even though they weren’t always hits for me but I think this will be my last 🫡👋
I mean I really hated everything from the minute shit like the name Blakely…it has that southern vibe with adding -ly/-ley/-leigh to the end of everything that I just can’t stand. Also both of the main characters talking aloud to themselves…I’m sorry. That’s weird. If one of them did it it could be explained as cute and quirky but they’re both out here saying whole sentences to themselves alone and no one’s acting like it’s strange cause no one knows lol. In tv and movies I get it we can’t always listen to the characters thoughts but in books we can! So there’s no reason for this lol.
And then the big stuff, the plot, the writing, the dialogue. So cringe, so contrived, so cliche, so nonsensical, so many tropes thrown on top of each other but sometimes not even utilized (sports, who?). *ETA: I wrote this and realized I couldn’t rant without spoilers so you’ve been warned*
From the brother’s best friend/little sister extreme forbidden romance that I have no idea how they held off that long if Renn really acts like that and then Brock was sooo overly threatening for how it resolved.
Speaking of Brock, he and Ella should’ve had their own book, that mess was so overdramatized and randomly thrown on top of everything else going on.
Then Renn and Blakely getting married. Their reasons for deciding to stay married made sense and benefited both of them then Blakely like forgot that it benefited both of them and wants more incentive *slight spoilers* so Renn all the sudden decides he wants a baby and will give her one in the 3 months they stay married, like what?! She mentions she wants to get serious about finding a man and starting a family and threw out that she’d consider a sperm donor but she just turned 30! The plot was not set up for her to be jumping at the chance to find a father for her unborn baby. She’s not some desperate woman whose biological clock is ticking down she wants to find true love. And more *spoilers* them staying married didn’t even benefit Renn at all in the end.
More random shit…
They flew to AUSTRALIA from Vegas for a 2 day fake honeymoon. They were flying almost as long as they were there, idk that was just dumb lol everything was so random and chaotic in this book.
Renn’s dad who had like no real role in this book, just seemed a little unkind and unsupportive turns out to be *spoilers* the biggest super villain out of nowhere and blows up his whole life by being the most disgusting person possible? Like imagine the rich dad archetype that is a ceo and disapproves of his wayward sons love life and crank that shit up to a million. Not only does he offer to pay her off to leave his son 🙄 wow 👏 haven’t heard that before… he tries to physically assault her, calls her every dirty name he can think of, and threatens to and I quote “fuck her in the ass” LIKE HUH. Bro. That’s such lazy writing. Make him suck without just shoving every horrible thing he could do in 3 pages. This dude has like 6 adult children, a wife for decades, runs multiple businesses, AS IF he’d crash out that hard for no fucking reason like them being married does fuck all to him, seriously. At least make Blakely more of an issue to the dad, his deal already went through and Renn is the son he apparently likes the least. Like it really doesn’t matter too much that they’re married lol. AND prior to this dear old dad was just kinda mean but no biggie. So random that all the sudden he’s a woman beating would be rapist like… oookay. The way it all went down was just so cringe and absurd it cemented this book getting one star 🙏
Anyway if it isn’t obvious I could go on and on. I highlighted bad writing, grammar mistakes, awkward shit, etc. that I could babble about but I feel like I got out what I needed to and I can lay this reading journey to rest. RIP.
I mean I really hated everything from the minute shit like the name Blakely…it has that southern vibe with adding -ly/-ley/-leigh to the end of everything that I just can’t stand. Also both of the main characters talking aloud to themselves…I’m sorry. That’s weird. If one of them did it it could be explained as cute and quirky but they’re both out here saying whole sentences to themselves alone and no one’s acting like it’s strange cause no one knows lol. In tv and movies I get it we can’t always listen to the characters thoughts but in books we can! So there’s no reason for this lol.
And then the big stuff, the plot, the writing, the dialogue. So cringe, so contrived, so cliche, so nonsensical, so many tropes thrown on top of each other but sometimes not even utilized (sports, who?). *ETA: I wrote this and realized I couldn’t rant without spoilers so you’ve been warned*
From the brother’s best friend/little sister extreme forbidden romance that I have no idea how they held off that long if Renn really acts like that and then Brock was sooo overly threatening for how it resolved.
Speaking of Brock, he and Ella should’ve had their own book, that mess was so overdramatized and randomly thrown on top of everything else going on.
Then Renn and Blakely getting married. Their reasons for deciding to stay married made sense and benefited both of them then Blakely like forgot that it benefited both of them and wants more incentive *slight spoilers* so Renn all the sudden decides he wants a baby and will give her one in the 3 months they stay married, like what?! She mentions she wants to get serious about finding a man and starting a family and threw out that she’d consider a sperm donor but she just turned 30! The plot was not set up for her to be jumping at the chance to find a father for her unborn baby. She’s not some desperate woman whose biological clock is ticking down she wants to find true love. And more *spoilers* them staying married didn’t even benefit Renn at all in the end.
More random shit…
They flew to AUSTRALIA from Vegas for a 2 day fake honeymoon. They were flying almost as long as they were there, idk that was just dumb lol everything was so random and chaotic in this book.
Renn’s dad who had like no real role in this book, just seemed a little unkind and unsupportive turns out to be *spoilers* the biggest super villain out of nowhere and blows up his whole life by being the most disgusting person possible? Like imagine the rich dad archetype that is a ceo and disapproves of his wayward sons love life and crank that shit up to a million. Not only does he offer to pay her off to leave his son 🙄 wow 👏 haven’t heard that before… he tries to physically assault her, calls her every dirty name he can think of, and threatens to and I quote “fuck her in the ass” LIKE HUH. Bro. That’s such lazy writing. Make him suck without just shoving every horrible thing he could do in 3 pages. This dude has like 6 adult children, a wife for decades, runs multiple businesses, AS IF he’d crash out that hard for no fucking reason like them being married does fuck all to him, seriously. At least make Blakely more of an issue to the dad, his deal already went through and Renn is the son he apparently likes the least. Like it really doesn’t matter too much that they’re married lol. AND prior to this dear old dad was just kinda mean but no biggie. So random that all the sudden he’s a woman beating would be rapist like… oookay. The way it all went down was just so cringe and absurd it cemented this book getting one star 🙏
Anyway if it isn’t obvious I could go on and on. I highlighted bad writing, grammar mistakes, awkward shit, etc. that I could babble about but I feel like I got out what I needed to and I can lay this reading journey to rest. RIP.
August 10, 2023
Thank you Valentine PR and Adriana Locke for this ARC!
I loved The Proposal so much! This was a really fun, sweet and sexy read and I enjoyed everything about it!
Rugby star Renn finds himself in Vegas to help celebrate his teammates sister Blakely's 30th birthday. He never expected to leave the trip with her as his wife.
The two have known each other for a decade and have always had a flirty but friendly relationship, having never crossed a line they knew they couldn't come back from. That is until they drunkenly get married and everything they've been avoiding for years suddenly confuses what's real and what's pretend.
I loved Blakely and Renn's story so much!! The tension was there right from the start and I LOVED how flirty their friendship was. Renn has a mouth on him (wink wink) and I was LIVING for it. The back and forth teasing, banter and playing around with each other was adorable and this was just all around a really fun read!
I loved both Ella and Brock's characters as well as the whole Brewer fam. I'm excited to read Foxx's story when it comes out this fall!
I loved The Proposal so much! This was a really fun, sweet and sexy read and I enjoyed everything about it!
Rugby star Renn finds himself in Vegas to help celebrate his teammates sister Blakely's 30th birthday. He never expected to leave the trip with her as his wife.
The two have known each other for a decade and have always had a flirty but friendly relationship, having never crossed a line they knew they couldn't come back from. That is until they drunkenly get married and everything they've been avoiding for years suddenly confuses what's real and what's pretend.
I loved Blakely and Renn's story so much!! The tension was there right from the start and I LOVED how flirty their friendship was. Renn has a mouth on him (wink wink) and I was LIVING for it. The back and forth teasing, banter and playing around with each other was adorable and this was just all around a really fun read!
I loved both Ella and Brock's characters as well as the whole Brewer fam. I'm excited to read Foxx's story when it comes out this fall!
March 25, 2025
[ współpraca reklamowa | patronat medialny @niezwyklezagraniczne ]
Blakely postanawia spędzić swoje urodziny w wielkim stylu, razem z przyjaciółką wybierają się do Las Vegas, aby uczcić ten ważny dzień. Na miejscu Blakely wpada na swojego brata i jego najlepszego przyjaciel z drużyny rugby- Renna. Wykorzystując zabieg okoliczności, za namową chłopaków, postanawiają świętować razem. Impreza była wręcz niezapomniana! A może raczej… zapomniana? Ponieważ następnego dnia rano Blakely obudziła się w łóżku z Rennem, będąc jego żoną i nie pamiętając poprzedniej nocy.
Co to była za historia! Byłam zaintrygowana pomysłem na książkę, już po przeczytaniu opisu, wiedziałam, że to będzie coś dla mnie. Ślub w Las Vegas, małżeństwo dla korzyści i najlepszy przyjaciel brata to idealne połączenie. Blakely i Renn znali się już od lat i od zawsze ich do siebie ciągnęło, więc napięcie miedzy nimi byto niezaprzeczalne. Odniosłam wrażenie, ze Renn nawet ucieszył się z tego zbiegu okoliczności i przypadkowego małżeństwa haha. Tak jakby w koncu miał szanse być bliżej Blakely. Ich przepychanki słowne i wzajemne kuszenie się były ztotem. W tej historii nie zabrakło pikanterii, ale i humoru. Książka ma lekko ponad 300 stron a zawarte jest w niej wszystko, co potrzebne. Cudowna rozrywka, która pozwoli oderwać się od szarej rzeczywistosci. A Renn...... Omg ten facet. To jak traktowat Blakely jak księżniczkę i pomimo przypadkowego ślubu postanowił zabrać ją na miesiąc miodowy z prawdziwego zdarzenia. Chyba nigdy nie zapomnę tego miesiąca miodowego. Powiem tyle- para młoda musiała się wyszaleć! Uwielbiam to, że autorka z motywu przypadkowego małżeństwa płynnie przeszła do motywu małżeństwa dla korzyści, który kocham! Oryginalny pomysł na fabułę był tutaj ogromnym plusem. Powieść czytało mi się bardzo przyjemnie, nie mogę się doczekać aż poznam losy resty rodzeństwa Brenna! Mam nadzieję, że pokochacie tą historię równie mocno co ja. Ocena 5/5.
Blakely postanawia spędzić swoje urodziny w wielkim stylu, razem z przyjaciółką wybierają się do Las Vegas, aby uczcić ten ważny dzień. Na miejscu Blakely wpada na swojego brata i jego najlepszego przyjaciel z drużyny rugby- Renna. Wykorzystując zabieg okoliczności, za namową chłopaków, postanawiają świętować razem. Impreza była wręcz niezapomniana! A może raczej… zapomniana? Ponieważ następnego dnia rano Blakely obudziła się w łóżku z Rennem, będąc jego żoną i nie pamiętając poprzedniej nocy.
Co to była za historia! Byłam zaintrygowana pomysłem na książkę, już po przeczytaniu opisu, wiedziałam, że to będzie coś dla mnie. Ślub w Las Vegas, małżeństwo dla korzyści i najlepszy przyjaciel brata to idealne połączenie. Blakely i Renn znali się już od lat i od zawsze ich do siebie ciągnęło, więc napięcie miedzy nimi byto niezaprzeczalne. Odniosłam wrażenie, ze Renn nawet ucieszył się z tego zbiegu okoliczności i przypadkowego małżeństwa haha. Tak jakby w koncu miał szanse być bliżej Blakely. Ich przepychanki słowne i wzajemne kuszenie się były ztotem. W tej historii nie zabrakło pikanterii, ale i humoru. Książka ma lekko ponad 300 stron a zawarte jest w niej wszystko, co potrzebne. Cudowna rozrywka, która pozwoli oderwać się od szarej rzeczywistosci. A Renn...... Omg ten facet. To jak traktowat Blakely jak księżniczkę i pomimo przypadkowego ślubu postanowił zabrać ją na miesiąc miodowy z prawdziwego zdarzenia. Chyba nigdy nie zapomnę tego miesiąca miodowego. Powiem tyle- para młoda musiała się wyszaleć! Uwielbiam to, że autorka z motywu przypadkowego małżeństwa płynnie przeszła do motywu małżeństwa dla korzyści, który kocham! Oryginalny pomysł na fabułę był tutaj ogromnym plusem. Powieść czytało mi się bardzo przyjemnie, nie mogę się doczekać aż poznam losy resty rodzeństwa Brenna! Mam nadzieję, że pokochacie tą historię równie mocno co ja. Ocena 5/5.
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