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Dossier #6

Improper Proposal

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"Fox delivers sexy, smart stories with a triple dose of sizzle." –Samanthe Beck, USA TODAY bestselling author Harper Clark is lost. That is, until she's whisked to the castle to meet a welcoming family and is told they weren't expecting her for another week. Evidently, she was meant to be a surprise for someone. Since her friend sent her on a sexy adventure and didn't share the details, Harper figures she's right where she needs to be. Billionaire Will Thomas is back in England for a big surprise. Could Harper be it? One thing he is sure of…he wants her for himself. It's been a long time since he's been attracted to a woman like this. Harper takes one look at Will and her body burns. He's tall, hot, and looks at her with hunger in his eyes. But giving in to their desires means all kinds of complications for them both…

110 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 2018

10 people are currently reading
107 people want to read

About the author

Cathryn Fox

254 books1,377 followers
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cathryn Fox is a wife, mom, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. She loves dogs, sunny weather, anything chocolate (she never says no to a brownie) pizza and red wine. Cathryn lives in beautiful Nova Scotia with her husband, who is convinced he can turn her into a mixed martial arts fan. When not writing, Cathryn can be found Skyping with her son living in Seattle (could he have moved any farther away?) shopping with her daughter in the city, watching a big action flick with her husband, or hanging out and laughing with friends.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Chris  C - A Midlife Wife.
1,824 reviews455 followers
June 16, 2018
Mmmm hot but torn...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I’m a little torn with this book. I have read several of the books in the series and they are fun and ingenious. Not to mention very spicy and hot.

I was so excited to be able to read and review this new release since it is the last of the series. So I had high hopes. But what really confused me was the fact that the main character went into someone’s home even though she knew she shouldn’t be there. Not to mention she stayed for days without telling the truth.

For me that kind of put a damper on the whole story. Will is amazingly hot - so flippin delicious that he easily offsets the annoyance factor of the plot. I love them together. Sizzling

But I just didn’t get the feels for this story. It seems like something is missing. Maybe it’s me, I’m not sure. But I think the whole lie scenario left a bad taste in my mouth.

I love Ms. Fox and this series but this one didn’t push all my buttons.

* copy received for review consideration and my honest opinion
Profile Image for Elizabeth Neal.
1,781 reviews146 followers
June 24, 2018
Harper, a lawyer, is lost. Literally? Metaphorically? Both? But when her friend sends her on an adventure, the unexpected happen. She's welcomed immediately and made to feel like one of them. For a woman who grew up with a single mother, and the multitude of men that came and went, they always went, it's completely new for her. But, as the woman who set up the whole idea of one of their group doing a 2th birthday dossier for another, it's now her turn. Everyone else ended up having a lot of fun, and finding love.

Will, a billionaire, lives in NYC, but his parents are British and everyone else still lives in England. He decides to visit his family and is told his cousin, George, has an announcement to make. And then he meets Harper and is instantly attracted. Thankfully, it's mutual.

But there's a catch, Will's family believes Harper is a surprise from George, whereas Harper isn't sure exactly what's going on as a friend planned everything about this trip...plus, even though she discovers she's actually in the wrong place, her heart assures her she's exactly where she's meant to be. However, both Will and Harper have issues they each need to work through, and things have a way of revealing themselves, which leads to the revelation Harper is in fact at the wrong place.

Will and Harper have found something worth fighting for, yet their individual histories may stop them from having a future together.

Can Will and Harper work through their baggage? What happens when Harper realizes she's not where she should be? Can Will and Harper make a relationship work? Do they even want to try? Is a HEA possible?

One-click now and follow along as fate takes matters into her own hands.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Profile Image for Maria11.
2,000 reviews44 followers
June 17, 2018
Not really my cup of tea. This starts out on the wrong foot. This is a lie from the start. You stay with some family you don’t know and mislead them because you think they are nice and you always wanted a family like that!? Okay, did you think once the lie was out they wouldn’t like you anymore because you lied? Makes no sense. Then under the ruse you set up you have sex with the cousin? Okay your moral compass is a tad off true north here.

There was a ton of sex, a ton. The plot goes fast and it is love at first sight instant soul mate i need you forever.

It for me way be for others. Writing not bad.

Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Maranda.
930 reviews37 followers
June 3, 2018
Great Series by Cathryn Fox - start with the first one. Although these are stand alone reads; the stories are all quick romantic reads. Enjoy how a secret vacation planned by one of your friends leads to true love. A copy of this book was provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
Profile Image for Alja Katuin.
403 reviews32 followers
June 6, 2018
Quick, quirky and steaming hot! I love love loooove harper and will!
Profile Image for Ayekah.
1,123 reviews
June 2, 2018
Last book of this amazing series and we meet Harper, creator of this little game a couple years ago. Drawing names from a hat on New Years Eve to set each friend up with a surprise adventure and epic sex!
Harper, you have to love Harper. Single attorney, overworked, under sexed who worked hard for everything she has finds herself in England in front of a castle staring at her envelope and the wrong address. The cab has fled and almost dark Harper starts to panic. An older gentleman appears to get the mail and thinking she is his grandson's surprise welcomes her into the home and family. They mistake her for their George's surprise and not wanting to say anything yet she's overwhelmed and unsure of her next move. So not Harper. Not until a car pulls up and the most gorgeous man she's ever seen gets out. Still in his business suit he's an American too and it's George's cousin Will. Will is suspect of Harper initially because the family has money but they all work this is their norm. Will thinks she looks familiar but unsure. They both work in NYC. The sparks between these two were outrageous. The steam between this two is off the charts. Harper is desperate to reach one of the friends back in the states to be sure this wasn't the set up and did she indeed have the wrong address.. all the while she's feeling embraced and loved by the family she never had and then there's Will. Will is flipping hot. The shared bathroom scenes were outrageously good, and Harper does tell Will what's happened. They agree to keep quiet but also agree that she needs to tell the family what has happened. George is still away on his military duty and when he comes back a bit early? Wooo wee... and poor Harper flees back to the states, leaving Will and all her feelings behind.
And what happens from there, you have to read the book. Cathryn is a favorite and this book is just the icing on the series. I love Harper, loved the series and I'd read them all again. They're that good. This one is another must read.
Bravo! A shower of stars.

*advanced reader copy from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own**
Profile Image for Megan.
666 reviews63 followers
June 5, 2018
Yikes. This is hard for me, as I really don't like giving bad reviews. I've really enjoyed this entire series, and I LOVED book 2 a ton. But, this one was a total letdown for me. It's the final book in the series, and we finally get to meet Harper, who set up this whole 25th birthday dossier plan, and I was so looking forward to her story.

Harper Clark is a loner. She grew up with just her mom, and her mom's revolving door of men, who never stuck around long. So, she learned to only rely on herself. It's served her well for the most part, especially in her career as a lawyer. When she made this deal with her friends, for them to plan special trips for each other for their 25th, she had no idea what would be in store for her, besides epic sex, of course. That was the point of the agreement to begin with.

Will Thomas is an American living in NYC, but his parents are British ex-pats, and the rest of his extended family all still live in England. He's in town to visit, and hear a big announcement from his cousin, George. He had no idea to expect Harper to fall into his life.

This was set up to be a "While You Were Sleeping" type of plot, but it just didn't work for me. She knew from the first minute she was in the wrong place, and she just kept trying to convince herself she was wrong, and maybe she was in the right place? (The address was wrong! You're at the wrong house!) So, needless to say, I was frustrated already by the end of chapter one. I get that she felt happy being around this giant family, which she had never had. But still, come on. I kept wanting to scream "YOU'RE A GROWN WOMAN. USE YOUR WORDS!" She kept just going with it, and it made me not like her very much. Then, Will didn't make the situation any better, unfortunately. His way of dealing with things was not cool either, even if he changed his mind somewhat along the way.

While I could feel Harper and Will's physical chemistry, I just didn't find their emotional connection very believable. Granted, this was a very short novella, but that doesn't usually keep me from enjoying a story. I've read plenty of short novellas, and not felt this way before. As things kept getting deeper and deeper, I just found Harper more, and more TSTL. It really bothered me that she wasn't being honest, and how it all came out was a bit predictable too.

Again, I'm trying not to be too harsh, but this story just didn't really work for me on any level. And honestly, I'm really sad about it. I've really enjoyed the time I've spent reading this series, and for it to end this way for me is very disappointing. This won't keep me from reading this author in the future, as I've loved many of her books over the years. There are a lot of great reviews for this one, so maybe it was just me. I truly hope others can appreciate and enjoy this story in a way I just couldn't.

ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
description description
Profile Image for Marlene Brown.
849 reviews8 followers
October 21, 2020
Part of series but can be read as a standalone, This is the story of mistaken identity and the hilarity that can ensue. It is Harper's time for her adventure and from page 1 it is a fun adventure. Both Harper and Will are delightful characters and the entire family are entertaining. The ending and epilogue were super sweet. .
Profile Image for SBee Reviews.
2,644 reviews82 followers
June 12, 2018
Review Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

“Definitely the right place and the right man”

I received an Advance Reader Copy for IMPROPER PROPOSAL (Dossier, Book #6) written by Cathryn Fox and voluntarily reviewed this book. I haven’t read any of the books in this Dossier Novella series yet, but I am loving this one! Junior partner Harper Clark from Pratt and Winfrey Law Firm is way across the pond in Northern England fresh off a flight from NY, carrying out vacation to enjoy some of the missing “best bits” in her life via this all-inclusive trip planned by one of her friends with a draw from a hat and kept secret until it is her turn. In fact, this whole twenty-fifth birthday experience was declared by Harper herself two years ago while at a New Year’s Eve party surrounded by her equally lonely friends.

The whole Winston family has returned to the castle fold in great anticipation of the “surprise news” that George Winston has planned for them. Except that they were all there and then a lovely stranger happens to make a timely appearance, but still no sign of George or an explanation. Of course, Harper simply becomes swept up and overtaken by all the excited family members, including Will, who is quite attracted to his cousin’s fiancé, but he questions her intentions and decides to get answers to protect his family from getting hurt.

What begins as a definite wrong adventure turns into the best and greatest thing that could have happened to Harper. They find out they have a lot in common and finally realize that Harper was meant to be in their lives. This was an entertaining & steamy story. Now I am looking forward to reading the earlier stories Books #1-5 as well!
Profile Image for LJT.
1,257 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2018
Are you in the mood for a nicely-written novella that is chock full of sexual desire? Then pick up a copy of Improper Proposal by Cathryn Fox, and immerse yourself in an erotic yet poignant story. This is the final book from the sizzling Dossier series, and it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Harper Clark is a hard-working lawyer from New York City. It is her turn to go on an adventure and experience epic sex. As a result, she ends up standing in front of a castle in Northern England. To Harper's amazement, the wealthy family that takes her in believes her to be their son's new girlfriend, the big surprise that he has told them to expect. Billionaire Will Thomas, a first cousin, is also from New York City. He is in town to be a part of his cousin's big news, which is not Harper.

Harper and Will share an instant chemistry which evolves into lust and love. They both know that Harper needs to come clean with his family, but the time never seems to be right. Once Harper's secret is discovered, she quickly returns to the States. Like a Hallmark movie, Harper and Will end up together.

Ms. Fox does an amazing job of combining a sexy story with a creative plot. Harper and Will are extremely likable, and so is Will's extended family. Their sexy times are steamy, and Will's dominance is hot. Lastly, this novella has a wonderful ending that will leave you with a huge smile on your face.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,373 reviews898 followers
June 18, 2018
Harper is mistaken by George’s family as their surprise from him. She should tell them the truth that she’s on a trip to get laid, not fall in love with each of them and all their wonderfulness. After all, she gave up on being a part of a family a long time ago. She certainly shouldn’t be lusting after George’s cousin Will. But good intentions and all of that.

Will senses something isn’t all it appears to be when he meets Harper. He has to keep his distance from her because what he’s feeling is not how he should feel about his cousin’s fiancée. Then again, no need to make the mistake of welcoming a gold digger into their family. And he knows just how to go about testing her.

This was such a cute, fun read. While the characters each had their own struggle with relationships, it didn’t rule the story. Both Will and Harper eventually work through what separates them but there’s one little thing Harper needs to share and she just hasn’t found the time to do it yet. It was pretty typical but entertaining nonetheless.

This is a fast paced read with plenty of steam and I loved the secondary characters. The resolution was satisfying and we had a nice little ending to sum up the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dual POV
Safe
Profile Image for Dar.
4,517 reviews92 followers
June 3, 2018
This was a great final book to this series! It only seems appropriate that the one who came up with the idea has to wait until the end to get her wild time. It also is part of her make-up to end up in the wrong place, but has the best time, in the wrong place, and it all falls apart, because she was in the wrong place

p.s., I don't recall it being explained, but I am burning with curiosity on what the right place plan was, and I can't be the only one!

Harper gives the wrong address to a cabbie,and is immediately mistaken for an unknown 'surprise' a family member had mentioned was happening. The people are so warm and kind, and everything she has been missing in life, she decides to soak some of it in before confessing. Then cousin Will arrives, and the attraction is instant, hot, and overwhelming. Through a bit, he learns the truth, and decides to just go with it as well, so he has her longer. The more they spend time together, the more they fall for each other. Of course, reality is going to hit them,and it does, and it all unravels. Luckily, Will isn't giving up!

Sexy, hot, sweet, and heartwarming, a case of misunderstandings that works out for the best!
Profile Image for Anita Byars.
1,418 reviews15 followers
June 18, 2018
Sexy & Hot! Have loved this series of sexy, entertaining and hot stories about epic trips that have brought true love that I am sorry that this is the last in this series. I have been a big fan of Cathryn Fox stories, she definitely knows how to bring the sexy and the heat as well as love to all her stories.
Harper came up with the idea two years ago, at a New Years Eve party, for all her friends to put their names, in a hat and to draw one name and each girl would sponsor an epic twenty-fifth Birthday vacation for whichever friend they picked. She is the last one to get her epic journey. Harper Isn’t looking for love, she is only looking for some Epic, Hot, Sex. But when Harper ends up at possibly the wrong castle in the middle of the English countryside, will her epic journey lead to her epic sex or will her journey be a bust. But soon Harper finds that her mistake might just be fate, that leads her to everything, that she has ever wanted.
Loved Harper and Will’s sexy escapades, as well as their sizzling chemistry. You don’t want to miss this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Johanna Sawyer.
3,473 reviews41 followers
June 17, 2018

Thanks to the publisher for an ARC to read and give my honest opinion. I thought the cover was very smexy, and the title aptly named the book. My first by the author.

Harper Clark is getting close to her 25th birthday as her friends send her on an escapade to find a man. Soon she finds herself at a castle and quickly sees that she's in a situation over her head. Within a day she falls in love with the family and every time she tries to extract herself she is pulled in deeper.
Enter Will Thomas.... he gets close to Harper thinking she's just a gold digger and he tries to expose her but his attraction to her is serious.

This was a cute novelette sized story which could have been better had it been longer or fleshed out more, plus this is the first I've read of the series so it may have made my reading experience better had I read them all. Still I enjoyed the story and how she got herself in the situation. I mean come on? Castles with numbers? I gave it three stars for entertainment!

Profile Image for Catherine Coffman.
751 reviews6 followers
July 26, 2018
Harper and her friends decided to do a challenge and on your birthday each year one friend gets send on an adventure somewhere to meet a man and have no strings attached hot sex. When it’s Harper’s turn to go on her adventure she gets the address wrong and thinks what’s the harm when the wrong family invites her in. George one of the family members tells his family he has a surprise and the family thinks Harper is the surprise.

After being there and contacting her friend to find out she got the wrong address she feels bad because this family has welcomed her into their home and she hasn’t had that in a long time, not to mention when Will walks through the door there’s instant attraction.

Harper and Wills story is funny, sexy and you can’t help fall in love with all the characters in the story. I loved this story and can’t wait to read the rest in the series.
Profile Image for Leslie Ooten.
979 reviews7 followers
June 19, 2018
This was a first for me from this author, and while the writing itself flowed well, I wasn't a fan of this story line. I know there are other stories in this series, but I didn't feel left out. Harper is on a "birthday mission" set up by another friend. She ends up at the wrong house, and instead of speaking up, goes along with it. Now, this story is only 87 pages long, so there isn't really time to go into a lot of story. However, it would have taken exactly one sentence to say "Sorry, I'm not the person you're looking for". I really didn't like Harper for that reason. I understand she didn't have a family, but you just can't go around pretending to get what you want.
I voluntarliy reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Profile Image for Becky Rendon.
3,852 reviews81 followers
June 18, 2018
Naughty fun is always around when it involves a dossier. These epic sex adventures are worth the romp. In this sexy story, it's a case of mistaken address and an entirely different adventure. But as always, the Dossier adventures have the ending of your dreams- naughty, dirty talking dreams, but dreams none the less.

I will say though that of the Dossiers I've read, this one was kind of a let down. It's not as intense. They have chemistry, yes. However, the situation is off because of the perceived attachment.

It's still a fun read. I wish I had these kinds of friends or even adventures. Happy Ever After!
Profile Image for Anima.
2,741 reviews51 followers
June 5, 2018
When you need a quick light hearted read Fox is a great go to author. If you like the instalove or instalust romance this is perfect. Some friends got together for NYE and agreed to draw a name, that person gets an epic sexy adventure for their 25th birthday planned by that friend. Ultimately a romance is the end result, sometimes marriage. For Harper it was a simple misunderstanding that lead to the perfect match. Each novella has a different couple, sexy times and an HEA. I received an early copy through Netgalley but wrote my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for bookaholic ge.
798 reviews12 followers
September 5, 2018
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book

Harper ends up at the wrong address and instead of saying sorry I think I am in the wrong place... she gets mesmerized by billionaire Will Thomas.

What should have been a trip filled with bedroom adventures quickly turns to something else when Harper can't seem to talk herself out of a bad case of mistaken identity.

Overall this book was ok. I thought this book was very well written I just thought that with the title there would have been a lot more heat.
Profile Image for Ofelia.
988 reviews3 followers
June 11, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this short romantic Comedy. It was filled with very entertaining, steamy scenes. Harper might have been at the wrong palace but she was at right place at the right time. Without the misunderstanding she might not have met Will and found the love of her life. I really loved this short story. A must read!

***Received this ARC by NetGalley as an exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rain.
632 reviews18 followers
June 15, 2018
I have followed this series since the beginning and have loved every installation. While I am not a fan of instalust, Fox gives her characters such depth and couples chemistry in such a small amount of pages. Will and Harper are both likable and believable, coming off as people rather than characters. Will’s family is also an absolute delight. While I am sad to see it end, it has been an enjoyable journey.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
June 22, 2018
Improper Proposal by Cathryn Fox is book Six in the Dossier Series. This is the story of Harper Clark and Will Thomas. I have read the previous book but feel this is easily a standalone book. This series is set up of friends who give the one choose on their special day to go off on an adventure. This is Harper's adventure that leads her to Will. Their attraction was instant and hot! This was a quick easy (hot) read that truly enjoyed.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews161 followers
June 8, 2018
Will is just an honest one,"...a tortured look moves over his face as he scrubs his hand over his chin. “To be honest, either way, I’m going to get a hard-on.” Will could be such a caveman, “You’re mine, Harper, and I’m going to eff you so hard. I’m going to make a mess of you, ruin you for every other man..." I liked this book, it was a quick fun read.
Profile Image for poppy.
4,589 reviews28 followers
October 1, 2018
This is the sixth book in the series and I have to admit while I really enjoyed the previous books this was not my favorite. It is really hot in places and there is lots of chemistry between them but I really did not like that it was all based on a lie but if you have enjoyed the other books in the series you will want to give this one a go it okay
Profile Image for Suzette.
3,605 reviews22 followers
June 9, 2018
Quick read with lots of sexy action. Includes fun surprises and laugh out loud scenes. Rambunctious relatives who seem to be always underfoot set this love story on its improper path to happily ever after.
Profile Image for Tracie R.
2,143 reviews
June 16, 2018
3.5 Stars
Improper Proposal is latest novella in the Dossier series. I liked this story it is a quick and extremely sexy read with good characters. I love this author and although this is not one of my favs of the series it is still a good read so be sure to jump in and grab your copy
Profile Image for Jeanne.
1,086 reviews11 followers
June 17, 2018
Hmm, case of mistaken identity or she's simply lost? And who just let's a complete stranger into their home with open arms? Sigh.
If you can get past the incredulity of the premise, the story is hot enough to light a bonfire. It starts off slow and then smolders a whole bunch!
Profile Image for Deborah.
971 reviews4 followers
June 29, 2018
Well, I am on the fence here. I have loved the entire Dossier series, but this book didn't have the same vibe as the previous ones! All of them have been very intriguing and inventive with the storylines. This one fell a bit short there.

The whole story of being in the wrong house-and knowing you are not supposed to be there-and then staying, seemed to be a stretch. I understand this happening in the beginning since the premise is unknown adventure, but this continued for days!

Anyhow, Harper meets Will and there are instant sparks! It's because of this and Will's all-over hunky-ness that allows me to overlook the reason she stays there. I loved them as a couple and they were sizzling together!

For whatever reason, this didn't push my buttons! I was disappointed for sure, but I would not hesitate recommending the Dossier series as a whole! The ending with all the couples was very rewarding!
Profile Image for Sue.
1,214 reviews
June 2, 2018
I love the Dossier Series. Improper Proposal was was fun and sexy read. I really enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Amanda Winterstein.
570 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2020
A mix up causes Harper to tell a white lie and live out a fantasy with the man of her dreams. Fast paced and steamy to the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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