The Guilty Proposal

by Barbara Goss

Travis Grayson feels responsible for a serious injury to his long-time friend, Libby. Out of guilt, he proposes, much to her delight. Not long after, he meets Evaline Radcliffe, and she immediately steals his heart. He finds himself in a he’s betrothed to one woman out of duty, and head over heels in love with another. To make matters worse, Evaline eventually discovers his duplicity. Evaline has a problem of her own and she enlists her father’s help in solving it. Her father’s solution is to arrange for her to be kidnapped.

Genres: Christian, Historical, Historical Romance

148 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2017

About the author

AKA Barbara A. Masci & Barbara Masci-Goss

From Kindle Author Page:

Barbara Masci Goss is now just Barbara Goss. I live in Western New York State and have three grown sons, two step daughters and 10 grandchildren. I wrote my books in the early '90's and now that I'm retired I have obtained the book rights and am converting them to Kindle. That's exciting for me because I don't read paper books at all anymore. I have designed new covers with a new author name: Barbara Goss. My first two books "Captured Heart" and "Forbidden Legacy" went to a second printing in the mid '90's and the publisher added my name as Barbara Masci-Goss, but I now prefer to keep it short and sweet.

From Author Website:

I'm from Western New York, and I live with my husband and two cats, Mandy and Molly.


I wrote these books in the early 1990's in paperback. My publishers were Fleming Revell and Baker Book House.


Now, I have the rights and have put them out on E-Books so people can still enjoy them.


My goal in writing these books is to provide clean but still romantic and adventurous novels for all ages. I've always felt that we needed more clean, wholesome books. When I wrote these books there were but a handful of Christian romance writers. Now, thankfully there are more. My biggest influence in writing was Grace Livingston Hill. Enjoy.

Reviews

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like the hero or the heroine at all. Both did not have a moral compass. I can’t understand why this book has quite a few 5 star reviews. The narrator was actually decent. Happy reading/listening!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story line! In a time when many people married for convenience or necessity, this man struggles with what's right when he discovers his true love! Another sweet romance from the amazing Barbara Goss!

Update ** May 9, 2017
A sweet story about marrying for love verses marrying for honor! Another great series by Barbara Goss! I love the narration on this book. Although the English accents don't sound authentic, each woman's voice is distinct enough to tell them apart without their names relayed every time they speak!
There are several parts where I giggled and even laughed outright! Why is Ned attracted to the smell of Ellen if it reminds him of his Grandmother? I've enjoyed this whole series but the audio version really adds to the story in my opinion!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letting your life be led by guilt is rough.

Poor Travis, so hard to be a good guy and live with guilt. Reading this is like being there. Feeling all the emotions and heart pulls there. Feeling bad for Libby but worse for Evie. A shame Travis can't be cloned. Working through and praying really helps. What is meant to be will be. Just reading this book and enjoying the story will make your day. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. I love Barbara Goss! Such a way with words and stories!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Country Love Triangle..

This story centers around, the main characters, Travis, Libby, and Evaline.

There is just about everything in this book from, secret love, betrothals, crazy plans, and kidnapping.

The story line is filled with twists, turns, and a huge dilemma for the male lead, Travis.


Leonor A Woodworth did well with the narration.

Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."

[Debra Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

The guilty proposal

Ned, Travis and Libby had been friends since they were children. Libby loves Travis while riding double they hear a gun shot and it spokes the horse. Travis offers to marry her.

[Patti Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I just finished this and it was delightful if you like a
Christian romance you won't be disappointed in this book very entertaining

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a touching heartbreaking story of one man who did an act of kindness only to lead to guilt and a proposal he really didn’t want to do. This is a clean read about love, honor and putting others before yourself that leads to heartbreak, loneliness and love only to have to walk away from it. The ending is a HEA but as the story builds you have to wonder if it will end with everyone getting what they want. It is anyone’s guess how many will end up with a broken heart. Sometimes what we think we want we find we really do not. Will these people come to understand their true feelings before they wreck so many lives?

Ms. Woodworth’s really brought this story to live for me as she pulled me in using emotion filled with sorrow, anger, hurt and pain along with excitement, danger and thrills. I had no trouble picturing the events as they unfold. Her character voices are wonderful as she held me spellbound from Travis and his guilt to his friend and his broken heart along with Evaline and how it all comes together. There are no volume changes, no background noise or any repeating of words. If any breaks were taken I could not tell. Her male voices were just as good as her female voices, you have no trouble knowing who is talking and just what they are feeling. Her character voices are just great as well as her normal voice is very pleasant and easy to listen to. The narrator really pulls you into the story giving you emotions that really reach your heart. You can feel the uneasiness of the characters as they work through the emotions of guilty, lose, and hope, facing the outcome and the heart break of what needs to be done. Ms. Woodworth’s has no trouble pulling off this very emotional listen that captivates you and holds your attention.

I really liked the characters, the story, the twists and the outcome. Each has their own dreams, hopes and fears. The plot has a nice buildup from the friendship to what is expected as well as the love of so many. One man torn from doing the right thing and doing what he wants. One women who thinks she wants something but as time goes by she isn’t sure and another women willing to step back and let her heart break to give the other what she thinks is right. It truly is a shame that in today’s world we do not live by the same practices of honor and doing the right thing. We spend too much time thinking about what we want and less about the other person. We could all learn a wonderful lesson from the words in this story. I liked how Travis’s best friend laid down the law but when it came down to it he went that extra mile to help out. I can’t wait to listen to his story, I really hope he finds his true love. The supporting characters add so much to the story line. I enjoyed the humor and at times laughed or times I really felt the pain or sorrow. From the author to the narrator this was a win, win listen for me.

[Paula Dyches · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could Make A Great Hallmark Movie

So I really enjoy Barbara Goss's books and have listened to this narrator before and really enjoyed her... However, this one was a bit disappointing compared to their normal quality. Overall the narrator did a great job but there were more British characters and accents in this book and I really wasn't fond of her try at it. In terms of the story it was a really sweet and very quickly moving insta-romance but already promised out of duty love polygon story. Although yes, it was fun, the book just felt a little too rushed and predictable. It's a great fluffy book, but not my fav from this really fun team of author and narrator.

Parents- PG13 this author continues to keep these in the clean Christian romance realm but this one there were some heavier make out scenes (shows the seductress side) but the strong male was able to show impressive control and honor in resisting.

—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read Book 2 in this series and was struck by some of the relationship assumptions of the existing cast. Curiosity led me to read this, Book 1, which does fill in a few gaps but mostly provides a delightful story of its own. The narrator [AUDIO] of this tale does a nice job with the vocal characterizations and helps bring to life the action. And there is more of it than you would expect, with a number of potential pairings and plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Noble or cowboy? Doctor or rancher? Lady or lassie? A delightful romp!

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Heroes of Hays Series. This Historical Romance is sweet, clean, twisted, and fun. I love all the characters! Travis and Evaline share an instant attraction/love, but unfortunately Travis is already betrothed to Libby. This story is well written, believable, and beautiful. I love Barbara Goss's writing. She never disappoint! The narration is well done. Leonor A Woodworth has a beautiful voice, easy to understand. I enjoyed my listening. received this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily written this review.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guilty Proposal (Heroes of Hays Book 1) was another great read by Barbara Goss. Travis Grayson feels responsible for a serious injury to his friend Libby. Due to his guilt he proposes to Libby which delights her. He then meets Evaline Radcliffe and she steals his heart even though he's betrothed to Libby out of duty. Evaline finds herself in a big problem and goes to her father for help. Her father arranges for her to be kidnapped. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by Barbara Goss.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this audiobook. The characters were very well developed and likable, easy to relate to. I'm not sure how I felt about Travis's decision about committing to a loveless relationship, but I guess it shows his character and did the temptations from Evaline that he resisted. I'm glad things worked out well for Ned and especially for Libby. I'm also glad that a couple characters found redemption thru Jesus Christ.

The narrative was done very well.

I received a free copy of this audiobook and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Pam Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like a good Christian book, this is it. I really like the fact that the men are the ones who pull in the reins when things start to get hot and heavy. And, that they have good role models that help them make informed decisions. Another great book by Barbara Goss.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guilty Proposal

Listened to the audio version. Loved the narrator, she did such a good job of making each character coming alive. Travis proposes to one girl but actually loves another. Will things work out without someone getting hurt.

[ReadingWench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one. I have no idea how Barbara Goss keeps bringing new and exciting stories. She is a talented writer and gifted storyteller. The characters in this book were fantastic. I loved how everything flowed and the development of the characters.

[One Sentence Audio Critic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Travis Grayson proposes to Libby after causing her injury. Except, then he meets someone else, in this vigorously Christian novel.

Heroes of Hays Series
1. The Guilty Proposal (2017)
2. The Reckless Proposal (2017)
3. The Shotgun Proposal (2017)
4. The Housekeeper's Proposal (2017)

[Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

nice read

A nice read by Barbara Goss. The Guilty Proposal, about a young man who proposals to a young woman for the wrong reasons. When he finds his true love it just might be to late. Barbara Goss has written this book very well with this subject. This is an enjoyable read.

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing was fine. However, I couldn't stand the heroine, and there were serious plot holes.

[Marcine Crozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much.

[Zena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a promising series with this first story on a par with Barbara Goss' others.
What a silly yet ethical hero we have in Travis who feels he has to propose marriage to Libby because of an accident while riding with her on his horse that has left her bedridden. Of course she accepts and this is when his troubles really begin.
All the characters play their parts very nicely and the story flows from scene to scene very smoothly. I loved Evaline. She is full of spunk and mischief and kept our hero on his toes.
There were quite a few moments when I just found myself being pulled into the story as if I was actually there.
The audiobook version was provided by the author at no cost and this is my unbiased review.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Guilty Proposal
: Barbara Goss

I had a good idea where the plot was headed. A good book makes you feel for the characters. I despised several of them in this historical mid-western fiction. Looking forward to the next installment in the series.




The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Leonor A Woodworth gave a fine performance.


“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in a series, The Guilty Proposal is a sweet, western romance. This is my first Barbara Goss book, and really enjoyed the story. Leonor A Woodworth, a favorite narrator of mine, performs this feature of Travis, a single man who has gotten himself in an unfortunate circumstance. As a result of an accident that he feels responsible for, he proposes to his friend Libby. Just as this is happening, who should walk in? The love of his life. Now being betrothed to a woman whom he doesn't love and wanting a woman he can't have leaves Travis in a terrible situation. There is a cast of supporting characters that make this adventure he has gotten himself into fun to listen to. Between arranged marriages, kidnappings, roving doctors and best friends in love with your fiance, this book is sure to keep you entertained and wanting more.

Leonor A Woodworth provides a wonderfully warm performance. She is one of my favorite narrators and find her faith based narrations to be the perfect remedy for my busy mind.

--I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

good story line...but felt a bit rushed

[Camilla Cruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A challenging, but not entirely unappreciated audio. The audio is a coasting sort of rhythm, at times even slow. In challenging moments, the tone doesn't stray far from its evenness. The artist seemed to have some difficulty with certain vocals, especially in relation to varying the rises and falls of the British accents, though she did well with male voices, in general. I acknowledge that such work is difficult, especially when foreign accents are thrown into the mix.

Regarding the story itself, there was a specific typo that stood out as it was spoken. Some phrases were said by foreign mouths that felt completely out of place. It was not a wholly original theme. All in all, it was ok.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.