The Proposal

The Surrogate #1

by Haley Rhoades

Two years apart seems like an eternity when you grew up together. A Fourth of July trip reunites Jackson, Kennedy, and Taylor. The Three Amigos are together again, but they have issues to work through. Can they move past an abusive ex? Can they beat a negative fertility diagnosis? Can everything pick up where they left off over two years ago?

Genres: Fiction

126 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2017

About the author

Be sure to follow Haley on BookBub for the latest on sales https://buff.ly/3wdDaKH

Haley Rhoades’s writing is another bucket-list item coming to fruition, just like meeting Stephen Tyler and skydiving. As she continues to write romance and young adult books, she plans to complete her remaining bucket-list items, including ghost-hunting, storm-chasing, and bungee jumping. She is a Netflix-binging, Converse-wearing, avidly-reading, traveling geek.
A team player, Haley thrived as her spouse’s career moved the family of four eight times to three states. One move occurred eleven days after a C-section. Now with two adult sons, Haley copes with her newly emptied nest by writing and spoiling Nala, her Pomsky. A fly on the wall might laugh as she talks aloud to her fur-baby all day long.
Haley’s under five-foot, fun-size stature houses a full-size attitude. Her uber-competitiveness in all things entertains, frustrates, and challenges family and friends. Not one to shy away from a dare, she faces the consequences of a lost bet no matter the humiliation. Her fierce loyalty extends from family, to friends, to sports teams.
Haley’s guilty pleasures are Lifetime and Hallmark movies. Her other loves include all things peanut butter, Star Wars, mathematics, and travel. Past day jobs vary tremendously from an elementary special-education para-professional, to a YMCA sports director, to a retail store accounting department, and finally a high school mathematics teacher.
Haley resides with her husband and fur-baby in the Des Moines area. This Missouri-born girl enjoys the diversity the Midwest offers.
Reach out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or her website…she would love to connect with her readers.

Reviews

[Kim]

I recvd this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review, I'm hiding it because of spoilers and because I need to vent. I'm not reviewing it, I'm venting. I'm not leaving a rating.

I hated this book.

I cant even review it without spoilers all over the place, so from here on out if you don't want to know, don't read.

First. The whole insurance thing? BS. I work in the medical field and there's no way they could have gotten away with that, with no consequences, then giving birth, dying, and no one finding out about it? So much no. Every appointment no matter what I always have to give my ID and my insurance card.

After Ken's death, they didn't even go a few days without all of the sudden out of the blue, being in love with each other, nothing led up to it, the entire book ken and Jackson were lovey dovey, I didn't feel or see any attraction between Jackson and Taylor. I felt more with Jorge, and he didn't even become any kind of contender! I liked Jorge. So then Ken died, and it was just cold, they were in the hospital when Jackson was just like, "when do you get lunch?" really?

There was very little emotion in this book, everything was a play by play. I did this, I did that, I fixed this meal by pinterest and doing this this and this, Jackson came home, and then we did this, in the beginning at least we got to see them play the song game, that disappeared. I hated that Jackson and Kennedy had an argument that we didn't get to read. That would have been an amazing opportunity to have real emotion in the book. I didn't even cry when Kennedy died, because I didn't even know she died! it was a passing thought. I literally had to go back to the accident and reread it, twice. I cry during commercials, I cry at the slightest thing, and I didn't cry with this book. The author spent an insane amount of time going over recipes and pinterest and day by day things that I didn't need to know, but spent zero time on building up relationships and feelings and the circumstances surrounding those feelings.

Last but not least: It was rape. R.A.P.E! Rape. one more time.. RAPE. And it was glossed over after two paragraphs. The MC's couldn't even confront their rapist. Two paragraphs later everything was fine and whatever.

The ending sucked, one paragraph someone was taking a bath and freaking out, the next we were in the epilogue. and the epilogue, my copy says two years later. and during their wedding, she thinks about the twins and their 1st birthday? in great detail what happens afterwards? but no detail about anything leading up to them suddenly having feelings, the accident, the arguement, Kennedy's death and the feelings after that? That should have happened during the actual book, not in the epilogue while a wedding was going on, at least give them a proper sendoff to end the book with.

[J.L. Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by Haley Rhoades and I went into it blind, which was good! I don't normally read this type of book, and by that, I mean I am typically a contemporary or erotica romance reader. I didn't read the subtitle regarding the surrogate series. Going into this book blind really worked for me. I didn't have a clue what to expect! I love the friendship between Taylor, Jackson and Kennedy! Jackson and Kennedy truly care for Taylor and stuck by their friend when she was in a relationship she shouldn't have been in. It took her some time to realize it, but she eventually did, and got away from her abusive boyfriend. I enjoyed the banter between Jackson and Taylor, which since I went into it blind, made me wonder at times if there were feelings between the two of them. By the end of the book, I realized the three of them are just very close. There were times when it seemed that I was being told what happened or what was said as though the author was catching me up vs. reading it as it happened or reading the dialogue- if that makes sense. I believe this is the author's writing style, but it did take some getting used to for me. I have book two on my kindle and I've already started it! I'm anxious to see where this story goes for Taylor, Jackson and Kennedy and also want to see if Taylor reconnects with a certain bartender hottie!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I won a Good-reads Give away. It was really nice to read a book I had won and it be grammatically correct not to say I'm an expert but my biggest pet peeve is to read a book I have paid good money for and it have typing errors in it... What happened to the editors that check for the errors... Any Who that is a whole other story... Sorry for the Rant....I Received in the mail today and read it with in 1 hour. Couldn't put it down, the only thing I could ask for with this story is maybe a little more back ground information on Taylor, Kennedy, and Jackson. Would also have loved a sneak peak as to what is to come in book two. Will Taylor be artificially inseminated or will they have a drunken hook up and she end up pregnant. Will she want to be included in the little ones life. I would also love a copy of book Two. I will post a review just like I did with this one.

[PinkPiratePanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of the story in my thoughts should have been very different. This book felt more as the back story before "the proposal", which only took place at the very ending of the book.

It was a pretty quick read, I finished in about an hour.

The story all fit into place together, besides the title. I loved how Taylor's friends never gave up on her and how once her life was back to being her own she was able to be her self again.

I relate very well to that situation myself in ways. I just went through a divorce with a emotional and mental abusive husband. And I can see things she went through that I myself am going through.

The story line was set at a good pace and I enjoyed ending it, until the last chapter than all of a sudden the book title came into play, though you knew it was coming sooner or later, and it all of a sudden went 100 mph. You were left in suspense of what will happen next?

I received this book from Goodreads Giveaways and I am not obligated to provide a review.

[Vera Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this and not really what I had expected. Up until the last few pages no mention of a Surrogate Mother, so was beginning to wonder.

Not real sure that Taylor would be a good one for that. Seems like the booze is a little too important to her JMHO.

Maybe just a different book than what I normal read. To be fair to the author is a warning that the book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and could be offensive to some readers.

[JP Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good! Enjoyed reading this book and seeing how far a best friend would go for !

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, so..very quick read... I think the story needs more time to develop.... I will look for the second in the series.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed The Proposal from the Kindle Unlimited Program.

Taylor, Kennedy and Jackson have been friends since they were kids and after two years of being apart they are get together at Jackson and Kennedy's home when Taylor visits them for a week. Taylor is getting over a break-up with an abusive ex-boyfriend so the old friends spend a week talking, partying and shopping until the last night. Kennedy and Jackson want a family and Kennedy can't carry a child so they ask Taylor to be a surrogate on the last night together.

This is the start of a series and leaves the story with a cliffhanger.

[Harriett McFarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary – this book centers around three characters, Taylor Taft, Kennedy and Jackson Hayes. All are friends that grew up together. Taylor is a school teacher in the Chicago area. She was orphaned by both of her biological parents and ends up being raised by Jackson’s parents. Early in life Taylor experiences hardships and abusive relationships with men and decides to focus on her career and studies to accomplish her dreams only she can’t seem to find the right person to spend her life with because she is attracted to the wrong men. She has a good heart and decides on giving an ultimate gift to her two best friends. Kennedy is the wife of Jackson and best friend of Taylor. She and Taylor attended the same college and have shared many secrets over the years and are so close that they are almost like sisters. Kennedy has struggled with anorexia and bulimia over the years which have destroyed her body and has additional secrets which will cause her to make life changing decisions that really will have you on the edge of your seat. Finally, there's Jackson, the loving devoted husband of Kennedy and Taylor’s big brother (due to his parents adopting Taylor as a child). Jackson, like his wife, has also made life changing decisions that he struggles with from day-to-day. It is not easy for him to express his feelings.and he cannot see clearly even when scenarios are playing out directly in front of him.

This book was amazing. It took me a little while to warm up to it in the beginning, because I did not understand the structure in which it was written. When I finally got into it, it become clearly to me of what the author's intentions were and I literally could not put it down. The characters were realistic and they will keep your attention throughout!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Was given an ARC by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

Wow. Not what I expected at all!! Much better!

Taylor Taft has had her share of abusive and unhealthy relationships. After breaking up with her latest disaster, John, she decides to take a break on dating. Her two best friends have come back into her life now that her controlling ex is history and she couldn't be happier.

Kennedy and Jackson are having problems conceiving a baby. Due to Kennedy's previous eating disorders, her body can't carry a child nor produce eggs for artificial insemination. When they ask Taylor to be their surrogate, Kennedy takes advantage of both her best friend and husband. She does the unthinkable and both Taylor and Jackson suffer from the consequences and aftereffects of her selfishness while she starts alienating herself from both the pregnancy, her best friend, and her husband.

This is a definite must read!

[Terri Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Book Lovers Emporium.

This was a really enjoyable short read; that is the start of the surrogate series and my first time of reading this author. The writing was good and the story held my attention, I am really looking forward to reading book two - The Deed.

The story revolves around three close friends, Kennedy, Jackson and Taylor who reunite after losing touch for several years. When they reconnected after two years they asked Taylor to visit them; they have things to discuss, an abusive ex and a proposal for Taylor. I liked the characters but I felt the connection was lacking between Kennedy and Jackson; it all seems a little too good to be true. At least at the moment, so I'm really excited to get stuck into the next installment to see where this is going.

I love a surrogate story and this seems a good start to an interesting story.

[Emma Debruyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

GOODREADS GIVEAWAY

I read this as my after-the-exams-before-I-start-again-with-my-thesis-book. So it had to be really good... lucky it was. This is the kind of thing I love to read to just to relax. I loved the caracters: they felt real and I could find myself in them. And the story itself was very pleasant, I want to know what happens next. It was even that good I finished it in one sitting. No wait, that isn't true: it were two sittings. My dogs had to go outside: that is the only reason it wasn't one sitting.
Also I want to mention that this book, or the edition I received, has a lot of space between the sentences, this makes it more pleasant for some dyslextici to read.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 of the surrogate series and the very first book by this author that I have read. I must say for a short read it was full of information and backstory that had you hooked to see what was going to happen next and what happened in the past. I received an ARC copy of this book and have voluntarily written my honest review. I love the love and interaction the three showed each other and the game they played called “song of the day”. Great story about friendship.
My full review will be posted at www.readingfortheloveofbooks.com

[Jayalakshmy K · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book of Haley Rhoades and thanks for sending the book all the way thru courier. It is about of true friendship of Taylor, Jackson and Kennedy. Taylor after breakup with her boyfriend meets her friends and the reunion leads to have information about her ex which was unknown to Taylor earlier.

A very good story. I finished this book within 4 hours time. Good character development and a very nice read. I will surely go for the second edition.Overall this is crispy,thrilling,nice,funny,engaging and surprise read.

[Gabby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways and have finally got to it from my never ending TBR! Overall I enjoyed the book but I was left wanting more. This is a short story in a series but the main characters lives could have had more detail or even added more going into book two instead of two different books? The story line has me reeled in and wanting to read the next book to find out what happens!
2.5 stars- I don’t read many series and this story just felt too short to be its own story.

[Heather Massey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book. I am not a fast reader, but I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know how the characters would work through the highs and lows of friendship and infertility. The characters are life like and show that the desperation of wanting a child will lead you to extreme lengths. I felt like I was a part of the story as the writer put you in the shoes of each character and their thoughts, fears, and excitement.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The entire series was very fast paced read. I loved how each book kept you guessing. It quickly became a page turner that was hard to put down. Haley did an extraordinary job of taking you through the friendship, the journey of surrogacy, and the emotions of the characters. Loved the series and highly recommend it!

[Bela]

Heroine degrades other women. She goes to airport and the first thing she thinks about the clerck is how barbie-like she is and how her speech did not require any brain cells. Wth! Who thinks that?!

10% and DNF. It is to wattpad vibe. Everything is over described and story telling is mechanical

[Luisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

i won a copy of this book in the good reads giveaway, i enjoyed the book, it was a very quick read (read it in one evening)
its an interesting story about friendship, although based on the title it was not exactly what i was expecting, but still good

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received advanced readers copy of this book. Haley is such a great author and has a way to pull all the emotions out of you in this book. I cried, laughed, and felt the pain and struggles with each character!!! This is an amazing book HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!!

[Marloes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is fun and easy to read. Based on the title of the book, I made the wrong assumptions, resulting in a surprising ending of this book. On the downside.. the story was a bit short.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me hooked. I couldn't put it down. There were a few surprises that kept me guessing. A great read and the perfect ending to the surrogate series

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book because it showed the dedication to the loyalty of friendship.

[Kim Schropp · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible book. Wanted to DNF it. Characters have major red flags. Noticed multiple writing errors.

[Michelle Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...



The Proposal was a good 4 star read.

Taylor is a school teacher who has just recently left her boyfriend. While relaxing in a hot tub she gets a call from Kennedy and Jackson with a big surprise, a plane ticket to come visit. She takes her friends up on the offer, she needs to get away and this is the perfect opportunity.

This trip, is an intervention. We are going to bring back Taylor.

Secrets are revealed to Taylor that she never realized Kennedy and Jackson were aware of. Things that make her realize she should have left her ex a long time ago. There is also a proposal that is made towards the end of the book that leads into the next book.

Kennedy and Jackson were great for Taylor, they were good friends proving they would always be there for Taylor no matter what. You can feel the connection between them, it was great. This is a quick read that I had done within an hour, once you start you can’t stop until your done. This is my first read from Haley Rhoades and I can’t wait to read book two in the series.


I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new to me author.
So many emotions tied up in this series of 3 books. It’s really hard to put into words how I feel. I will be sad to say goodbye to Jackson and Taylor, they grew on me, they were both such loveable characters, their friends were just as amazing and so supportive.

It’s was a book, not at all what I was expecting for a surrogacy romance. There was so much more to these books than that.
Kennedy, Jackson and Taylor had been best friends for years. So when Kennedy and Jackson explain their want to start a family but need a surrogate, Taylor jumps right in, without being asked, without question. She wants to help her best friends start a family.

But as you will find, all is not as it seems.
There are some triggers to be aware off. Use of a ruffie against their will and the subsequent actions afterwards. The ultimate betrayal.

Would highly recommend if you are looking for a very detailed and slow burn romance with twists.

Surrogacy -expecting twins
Best friends to lovers
Rom com at times
Serious at others
Death
HEA

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable short read; that is the start of the surrogate series and my first time of reading this author. The writing was good and the story held my attention, I am really looking forward to reading book two - The Deed.

The story revolves around three close friends, Kennedy, Jackson and Taylor who reunite after losing touch for several years. When they reconnected after two years they asked Taylor to visit them; they have things to discuss, an abusive ex and a proposal for Taylor. I liked the characters but I felt the connection was lacking between Kennedy and Jackson; it all seems a little too good to be true. At least at the moment, so I'm really excited to get stuck into the next installment to see where this is going.

I love a surrogate story and this seems a good start to an interesting story.

[Laura Hundley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about three friends, Taylor, Kennedy, and Jackson. The three grew up together and were best friends but had not seen each other in a couple of years. Taylor has just ended her relationship due to being abused and has come to visit her two friends for support and some fun. They also have a question at the end for Taylor that is the premise of the series that she will need to think about. Can she help her friends and will she help them? The story is the first in a series but honestly gets a very slow start and needs a little more told to the reader as there are times in the book that it does not develop well. The characters are great and the ending a cliffhanger as it will carry on in the next book. Overall a fast read and cute story.

4 stars out of 5

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish the author would have given us more background info on the characters. They just rush into this odd predicament without much of a back story. Seems unrealistic.

[Koskinen Sari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received advanced readers copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I want to say thank you also to Haley Rhoades, who is the author of this amazing book.

This was the book which I couldn't put down, so that means that I read this in one evening/night. There were quite interesting characters, but maybe I needed something more. Maybe something was missing. Not sure why I have this feelings, but maybe somerhings happened with odd timings or someone seems missing. Not sure. Maybe this books need to be longer and tells more some cases, but this wasn't bad.

There were characters which feels like my own friends but some how there was also part of me, who thinks that I need more. I'm not sure if this book or series, whatever, was first book/books which author have write, but it feels like that. Maybe more emotions or more writing how those things what happend made that X thing happen etc. But I liked this book.