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Marry Me? #1
A Suspicious Proposal
One wedding leads to another...
Essie Russell met millionaire businessman Xavier Grey at a wedding: she was the chief bridesmaid; he was a distant relative of the bridegroom. They were strangers, yet for some reason Xavier clearly disapproved of Essie. She was determined not to care. She'd simply flirt with him and then leave the wedding!
Only Xavier was intent on pursuing her. Rich and handsome, he was used to getting what he wanted -- and he wanted Essie! But when Xavier proposed, was it an affair or marriage he had in mind... and could Essie trust him?
Essie Russell met millionaire businessman Xavier Grey at a wedding: she was the chief bridesmaid; he was a distant relative of the bridegroom. They were strangers, yet for some reason Xavier clearly disapproved of Essie. She was determined not to care. She'd simply flirt with him and then leave the wedding!
Only Xavier was intent on pursuing her. Rich and handsome, he was used to getting what he wanted -- and he wanted Essie! But when Xavier proposed, was it an affair or marriage he had in mind... and could Essie trust him?
186 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2000
17 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Helen Brooks
406 books119 followersRita Bradshaw was born on 1949 in Northampton, England, where she was educated as a good Christian. She met Clive, her husband, at the age of 16 andnow the magic is still there. They have three lovely children, Cara, Faye, and Benjamin, and have always had a menagerie of animals in the house, which at the present is confined to two endearing and very comical dogs who would make a great double act on TV! The children, friends, and pets all keep the house buzzing and the food cupboards empty but Helen wouldn't have it any other way. She still lives today in Northampton with her family. Although having enjoyed some wonderful holidays abroad she has never been tempted to live anywhere else, although she rather likes the idea of a holiday home close to the sea one day.
Being a committed Christian and fervent animal lover she finds spare time is always at a premium, but long walks in the countryside with her husband and dogs, meals out followed by the cinema or theatre, reading, swimming, and having friends over for dinner are all fitted in somehow. She also enjoys sitting in her wonderfully therapeutic, rambling old garden in the sun with a glass of red wine, (under the guise of resting while thinking of course!)
For years, she was a secretary. She began writing in 1990 as she approached that milestone of a birthday 40! She realized her two teenage ambitions (writing a novel and learning to drive) had been lost amid babies and hectic family life, so set about resurrecting them.
Her first novel was for Mills and Boon and was accepted after one rewrite in 1992 as Helen Brooks, and she passed her driving test (the former was a joy and the latter an unmitigated nightmare!) She has written 50 novels as well as several sagas as Rita Bradshaw.
Since becoming a full-time writer she has found her occupation one of pure joy and often surprised when her characters develop a mind of their own but she loves exploring what makes people tick and finds the old adage "truth is stranger than fiction" to be absolutely true. She would love to hear from any readers care of Mills & Boon.
Being a committed Christian and fervent animal lover she finds spare time is always at a premium, but long walks in the countryside with her husband and dogs, meals out followed by the cinema or theatre, reading, swimming, and having friends over for dinner are all fitted in somehow. She also enjoys sitting in her wonderfully therapeutic, rambling old garden in the sun with a glass of red wine, (under the guise of resting while thinking of course!)
For years, she was a secretary. She began writing in 1990 as she approached that milestone of a birthday 40! She realized her two teenage ambitions (writing a novel and learning to drive) had been lost amid babies and hectic family life, so set about resurrecting them.
Her first novel was for Mills and Boon and was accepted after one rewrite in 1992 as Helen Brooks, and she passed her driving test (the former was a joy and the latter an unmitigated nightmare!) She has written 50 novels as well as several sagas as Rita Bradshaw.
Since becoming a full-time writer she has found her occupation one of pure joy and often surprised when her characters develop a mind of their own but she loves exploring what makes people tick and finds the old adage "truth is stranger than fiction" to be absolutely true. She would love to hear from any readers care of Mills & Boon.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 14, 2020
English veterinarian heroine meets Canadian tycoon hero at the wedding of her best friend. He thinks she is a hot, hung-over, little blonde out for a good time and she thinks he is an arrogant womanizer who needs to be taken down a notch.
The rest is a bickerfest courtship, with a stalker hero, a heroine with traitorous body, and the revelation of Great, Traumatik, Seekret Pasts for each of them, that turned them into two commitment-phobes.
I didn't get their connection or their abrupt ILYs. You bicker during the handful of times that you have met and then all of a sudden, blurt out your deepest, darkest secrets to each other.
The ending was so cheesy with their over the top declarations. I just wasn't feeling this one.
The rest is a bickerfest courtship, with a stalker hero, a heroine with traitorous body, and the revelation of Great, Traumatik, Seekret Pasts for each of them, that turned them into two commitment-phobes.
I didn't get their connection or their abrupt ILYs. You bicker during the handful of times that you have met and then all of a sudden, blurt out your deepest, darkest secrets to each other.
The ending was so cheesy with their over the top declarations. I just wasn't feeling this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2015
3 Stars ~ Essie's a young woman on her own and she's happy with that. She has a good position as one of three veterinarians and a small cottage fixer-upper that is hers alone. From Essie's experience men can't be trusted, as soon as they see you vulnerable they swoop in and take control, and once they have that control they abuse you. Xavier's mother had immigrated to Canada before he'd been born, and their life had been one of hardship and bitter lessons. But Xavier had made good, and when his sister died in child birth, and then later his mother too, he'd taken responsibility of his niece, Candy, as if she were his own daughter. He's had first had experience with the flighty whims of women and he's content with his empire building and his role as guardian, for no woman shall own his heart.
Essie's matron of honor for her best friend who's marrying Charlie, a classmate from veterinary college. It's the day of the wedding, and Essie's tummy is upset from some bad prawns eaten the night before, and she's very much aware of the intense stares from a handsome man sitting behind the groom's parents. Xavier has just learnt that the girl obviously under the weather is the one who'd imbibed too much at the hen do the night before. Apparently she'd been the life of the party, dancing on tables and such. But she's gorgeous and he can't keep his eyes off of her, even if his looks are disapproving. Later when Xavier introduces himself as the Canadian family of the groom, he calls her Janice, the bride's cousin's name, an actress and a flirt and renown for her ability to party all night. Essie's rather put out at his conclusion that the petite blonde must be the actress and the amazonian brunette must be the vet, so she plays up to Xavier, until she gets the right moment to let him have it.
When he invites her to dinner, she agrees, looking forward to her opportunity to shake a few of his arrogant assumptions. Xavier doesn't hide his sexual interest in Essie, nor his intention to seduce her, but there's something about her, a sadness in her eyes, a wariness that sparks a more emotional connection. When her identity comes out, he's furious but Essie won't take the blame, she points the finger at him, calling him arrogant, ill-mannered, presumptuous, and she flees the restaurant hoping never to see him again. But of course, Xavier's isn't going to have any of that, she's piqued his interest and their sexual chemistry is off the scale, and so he turns up in her quiet little town and shakes up her quiet little life.
Helen Brooks always pens enjoyable love stories. In this one we have two emotionally wounded people who with looks across a crowded church, find each other. Both are on shaky ground, as they fight their undeniable attraction, and let down the barriers they've built around their hearts. This is a nicely told story of taking chances on love and HEA.
Essie's matron of honor for her best friend who's marrying Charlie, a classmate from veterinary college. It's the day of the wedding, and Essie's tummy is upset from some bad prawns eaten the night before, and she's very much aware of the intense stares from a handsome man sitting behind the groom's parents. Xavier has just learnt that the girl obviously under the weather is the one who'd imbibed too much at the hen do the night before. Apparently she'd been the life of the party, dancing on tables and such. But she's gorgeous and he can't keep his eyes off of her, even if his looks are disapproving. Later when Xavier introduces himself as the Canadian family of the groom, he calls her Janice, the bride's cousin's name, an actress and a flirt and renown for her ability to party all night. Essie's rather put out at his conclusion that the petite blonde must be the actress and the amazonian brunette must be the vet, so she plays up to Xavier, until she gets the right moment to let him have it.
When he invites her to dinner, she agrees, looking forward to her opportunity to shake a few of his arrogant assumptions. Xavier doesn't hide his sexual interest in Essie, nor his intention to seduce her, but there's something about her, a sadness in her eyes, a wariness that sparks a more emotional connection. When her identity comes out, he's furious but Essie won't take the blame, she points the finger at him, calling him arrogant, ill-mannered, presumptuous, and she flees the restaurant hoping never to see him again. But of course, Xavier's isn't going to have any of that, she's piqued his interest and their sexual chemistry is off the scale, and so he turns up in her quiet little town and shakes up her quiet little life.
Helen Brooks always pens enjoyable love stories. In this one we have two emotionally wounded people who with looks across a crowded church, find each other. Both are on shaky ground, as they fight their undeniable attraction, and let down the barriers they've built around their hearts. This is a nicely told story of taking chances on love and HEA.
September 25, 2009
Essie thought that she could return to the relatively quiet life of being a country veterinarian. She hoped she could forget all about Xavier Grey’s arresting eyes and the strange way that he made her feel, but she found it quite impossible. Despite his wealth, Xavier seemed oddly at home in her little cottage. His gentle care was also against all of Essie’s preconceived notions of how rich and powerful men might behave.
What secrets lay beneath that attractive exterior of his, she wondered? Did Essie really have the courage to find out and, when she did, might she find it impossible to turn away? This is a lovingly told tale of two very different people who find common ground, surrounded by each other’s arms and the special love they share.
What secrets lay beneath that attractive exterior of his, she wondered? Did Essie really have the courage to find out and, when she did, might she find it impossible to turn away? This is a lovingly told tale of two very different people who find common ground, surrounded by each other’s arms and the special love they share.
June 9, 2021
Helen Brooks' books all seem to have loads of angst, I'm seeing. Tortured heroines aplenty. So our h here has A Tragic Past and because of that she distrusts strong, dominant men. Unfortunately the H is a strong, dominant man. However I quite liked him because even though he's Brooks' typical outwardly emotionless and brooding alpha-type H, he was upfront with the h and didn't keep her guessing.
Realising that she is vulnerable due to A Tragic Past which she doesn't want to talk about, he knows he can't come on too heavy-handed as it will frighten her. So he finds a way to spend time with her by buying the veterinary practice where she works, giving her time to get to know him and hopefully learn to trust him. However, since we must have angst, the h though admitting she is in love with him is adamant about keeping it to herself and refuses his proposal because marriage would give him too much power over her.
Realising that she is vulnerable due to A Tragic Past which she doesn't want to talk about, he knows he can't come on too heavy-handed as it will frighten her. So he finds a way to spend time with her by buying the veterinary practice where she works, giving her time to get to know him and hopefully learn to trust him. However, since we must have angst, the h though admitting she is in love with him is adamant about keeping it to herself and refuses his proposal because marriage would give him too much power over her.
September 15, 2017
"A Suspicious Proposal" is the story of Xavier and Essie.
Xavier, the millionaire spots Essie, the veterinary surgeon at the wedding of an estranged relative, and mistakenly thinks of her as Janice, her actress friend. Essie, infuriated about his presumptions, does not correct him until the truth is inadvertently revealed.
Soon, as she runs away to her cottage and peaceful existence, but Xavier relentlessly pursues her and that is the story.
As usual, since its a HB novel, we have
-A beautiful heroine scarred by her past
-The hero instantly falling for the h
-Relentless pursual but with patience and adoration
-Jealousy and mild drama
-HEA
Again, it gets a bit tedious when the h continues to push the H away for no reason..again and again and again. But you have to give it to the heroes for staying focused.
Really liked the reverse chase and grovel in the end.
Another enjoyable read.
Safe
3.5/5
Xavier, the millionaire spots Essie, the veterinary surgeon at the wedding of an estranged relative, and mistakenly thinks of her as Janice, her actress friend. Essie, infuriated about his presumptions, does not correct him until the truth is inadvertently revealed.
Soon, as she runs away to her cottage and peaceful existence, but Xavier relentlessly pursues her and that is the story.
As usual, since its a HB novel, we have
-A beautiful heroine scarred by her past
-The hero instantly falling for the h
-Relentless pursual but with patience and adoration
-Jealousy and mild drama
-HEA
Again, it gets a bit tedious when the h continues to push the H away for no reason..again and again and again. But you have to give it to the heroes for staying focused.
Really liked the reverse chase and grovel in the end.
Another enjoyable read.
Safe
3.5/5
April 20, 2015
I loved the Hero He was so kind and upfront. He had no hidden agenda he wanted the Heroine. He would wait for her to see what a great guy he was.
February 17, 2021
A very sweet romance. The man is like a dream come true. Both the H and the h have seen and experienced traumatic things in their childhood.
It misses sexual chemistry. There is a lot of love and sweetness from the H, he is so kind and generous. But I miss his intense passion for her, I miss his desire for her.
Although he does say he wants to sleep with her, he never tries to undress her or do something sexual. They only exchange a few kisses. And he puts his hands under her shirt and that’s it. It’s too tame.
I like the HP’s of the writer Helen Brooks. I prefer the h’s to be virgin or virginal, I prefer the H to be a knight in shining armour. And Helen Brooks’ books have that. I also like that the women don’t get pregnant (like for instance Lynne Graham always does with her heroines and I hate that). Although one needs sex to become pregnant and there is no sex in this book.
I would have liked more sexual encounters between the H and the h.
It misses sexual chemistry. There is a lot of love and sweetness from the H, he is so kind and generous. But I miss his intense passion for her, I miss his desire for her.
Although he does say he wants to sleep with her, he never tries to undress her or do something sexual. They only exchange a few kisses. And he puts his hands under her shirt and that’s it. It’s too tame.
I like the HP’s of the writer Helen Brooks. I prefer the h’s to be virgin or virginal, I prefer the H to be a knight in shining armour. And Helen Brooks’ books have that. I also like that the women don’t get pregnant (like for instance Lynne Graham always does with her heroines and I hate that). Although one needs sex to become pregnant and there is no sex in this book.
I would have liked more sexual encounters between the H and the h.
April 15, 2025
What a sweet little book from the 1990's I would believe, how technology is described. The FMC is very relatable and the MMC is so upnoctous in the beginning and so sweet later on. Of course rich, handsome and with a sexual aura that amazes. This is not great writing, a lot of repeating. But it's sweet and a nice little palet cleanser after an intensiv fantasy read.
November 26, 2025
Another Helen Brooks book, another besotted/obsessed Hero determined to have the heroine by any means possible, paired with the reluctant, commitment phobe heroine who fights him every step of the way. It’s my favourite trope, but in this case the heroine fights a bit too hard and for a bit too long… hence the 3 stars.
August 5, 2020
There’s a lot of chasing and not much catching in this book. Animal surgeon trying to make it on her own after a hard life meets rich guy who seems cocky and to have it all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2023
Essie met millionaire businessman Xavier Grey at a wedding: she was the chief bridesmaid, he was a distant relative of the bridegroom. They were strangers, yet for some reason Xavier clearly disapproved of Essie. Only, that didn’ t stop him from pursuing her!
Their attraction was electric, but what were Xavier’ s true intentions? When he proposed, was it an affair or marriage he had in mind?
Their attraction was electric, but what were Xavier’ s true intentions? When he proposed, was it an affair or marriage he had in mind?
October 13, 2024
Relatable h and determined H make a good story
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews