Risky Proposal

Deerbourne Inn

by Marie Tuhart

IT specialist Claire Holmes begins her stay at Deerbourne Inn to rejuvenate after her sister's tragic death. In a week, she'll start her dream job and embark on a whole new journey. But a leaky pipe leads to an unexpected reunion with the sexy plumber she had a blind date with a year ago. His dominant air calls to her slumbering submissive side. Vowing to be bold, she invites him to lunch...in hopes of maybe a little more.

Dominant Josh Hawkins has it all—a successful hardware store and the beginnings of a new BDSM club. He doesn't realize he's missing someone to share it with until Claire bursts into his world and shows him that her submissive tendencies are just what he needs in his life, even if for only a week. His risky proposal to explore the spark between them could ignite an inferno that neither can quench…

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 22, 2020

About the author

Marie Tuhart lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her muses, Tommy and Trina her two rescue dogs. Marie loves to read and write, when she’s not writing, she spends time with family, traveling and enjoying life.

Marie Tuhart is a multi-published author of hot contemporary romance for readers fascinated by approachable alpha males in and out of the bedroom. Mare’s fun, safe and sexy stories offer a captivating romantic escape in the arms of likeable characters who know which buttons to push and which are off limits. Go on, embrace the temptation… https://www.marietuhart.com.

To be alerted on new releases on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/marietuhart or Book Bub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marie....

Also you can join Marie’s newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor... where she gives her group advance information on her books, runs contests and does giveaways just for newsletter readers. Marie can also be found on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marietuhart/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/marietuhart, and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marietuhart

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC received for review

A sweet romance. They had a blind date a year ago, and the timing wasn't just right. Now they meet up again and the chemistry is still there. This is like another book I've read by Ms. Tuhart with beginner BDSM. Explaining it like no one has no idea about how the world of kink operates.

[Nonieღserenity2bliss · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and The Wild Rose Press, Inc for the free copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If I have never read a kink-BDSM novel, I would appreciate this. But I'm no stranger to this genre, having read the likes of Tiffany Reisz, Shayla Black and yes, even the gawd-awful EL James. Compared to Reisz and Black, this one reads more like BDSM 101, or Beginners Guide to BDSM.

And no, I'm not kidding.

The main characters are likable enough but their chemistry seems forced. Every conversation they have about kink and BDSM seems like they were taken from a guide book. So yes, if this is my first time reading this genre, I would appreciate it a little bit more. But since I am no kink-BDSM-novel virgin, this one is a bit of a bore.

But I do think it makes a good introduction to the genre for new readers.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a few of these Deerbourne Inn novellas now. While all are set in and around the Deerbourne Inn, being by different authors they are all different styles and types of romance story. This time the story focuses on Joshua, who has moved back to the town after the death of his father. Not only has he inherited the hardware store, but he is also in the process of setting up a BDSM club on his property. Claire, who is on holiday and staying at the Inn is interested in kink and that kind of lifestyle but doesn't really have any experience of it. They are both instantly attracted to one another and it isn't long before they find the sparks between them flying.
I enjoyed the romance between the two characters. They seemed a good fit and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. In the course of this book, it was mentioned more than once that some authors of BDSM books haven't really done their research and I think that the author was at pains to show that she was. This did mean that this was more like an introduction to BDSM, rather than the more involved stories that some similar books portray.
Overall this was a good if quick read that I enjoyed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire Holmes arrives at the Dearborn Lodge on the trip she was supposed to take with her sister. Now her sister is gone so she has to be strong and take charge of herself. One by doing this vacation. When a leak in the sink appears, they call in handyman Josh Hawkins who just so happens had been on a date with Claire a year or so. Leaving she later calls him and invites him to lunch for the next day which he accepts.
Josh who taught he would never see Claire again is happy with not only seeing her but would also like to take her home to his bed and also to have her stay when his new BDSM club opens. Claire is attracted to Josh and though she likes him and allows herself to go along with her feelings in the bedroom she makes it clear to him that she will be leaving at a certain time for a new job, and also, she will not be controlled outside of the bedroom. She does this by demanding to pay for a meal. Josh is upset but she is right in what she is feeling about being a strong woman. You still don’t know what will happen when she does leave and I will leave that part for you to read the book. A good story. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at
www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[WordsHerWings · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got attracted by the synopsis of this story. Two strangers casually met, only to discover that they had been in a blind date together before. Interesting.

Josh used to worked as a dungeon monitor but left that aside when he returned to his hometown. He is now working in his family’s hardware store and building his own club. Claire has taken a vacation week due to a promise she made to her deceased sister. There is a problem in the room she is staying and a handsome man appears to repair it. But she had met that man before, and she had been really attracted to him.

It is a short and nice story that introduces a little bit the world of BSDM, but just the surface. The main characters develop a D/s relation and the importance of honesty, communication and safeness is repeated throughout the whole story. The way in which the characters interact is very sweet, but there are no fireworks or really steamy scenes.

Quote “He wanted her. In his life”.

|| I received this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review ||
|| You can find more information on my instagram account http://www.instagram.com/wordsherwings ||

[Kelly DeMarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exploration, taking a risk, results in a love of a lifetime
Risky Proposal (Dearbourne Inn) by Marie Tuhart is a very well written book that is just as steamy in an exploratory way as it is straight up romance. Claire and Josh, while set up by Claire’s deceased sister more than a year ago, find themselves given a second chance of sorts and both embrace the opportunity to explore what turns out to be extremely mutual wants and needs.
I really enjoyed this book from both Claire and Josh’s perspectives; inexperienced and experienced, exploring and hopeful, curiosity and knowing. These characters made this book very intriguing and captivating. Claire’s curiosity and bravery to take a chance and explore what has secretly turned her on. Josh, the dominant, protector and romantic at heart. As they explored their sexual chemistry, much was discovered, including a deep and abiding love neither was willing to give up on.
Overall, a very well written book that explores steamy curiosity in many titillating, page burning ways as well as leading up to a HEA.
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.

[Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going to be one of the strangest reviews I’ve ever wrote. I’m a believer in destiny. I get these newsletters from Hidden Gems with offers of new books to read. I was on the phone and reading my email and the Hidden Gems email when I accidentally clicked the link for this book. Thank goodness it’s a genre I sometimes read. I’m so glad I made this mistake. This is the first story I’ve read by this author. I really enjoyed it. The story takes a tragedy, Claire’s sister’s death, and turns it into a meant to be romance. I really expected to find part of the story that her sister had known Josh had moved back home and had decided to send Claire to get reacquainted with him since her sister had set them up originally. That didn’t happen even though her sister did pay for Claire’s vacation where she just happens to run into Josh. Then they both feel that attraction again and the story just gets intense from there. Will it be just a vacation fling? Needless to say I will be looking into more stories from this author.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as part of an ARC review. Claire goes on the vacation her sister arranged before she died and there she meets the man that her sister had introduced her to a year before. The attraction between Josh and Claire hasn't lessened any since their meeting. Claire acting on her sister's advice takes the chance. Josh when he discovers Claire's interest in BDSM, introduces her to a little in the week she is at Willow Springs. They fall in love with each other and attempt a long distance relationship when Claire goes back to Boston for her new job. After a month, Claire realizes it won't work. The new job is not what she wants. After talking to her boss, she moves to a new position and returns to Josh. With the new position closer to Willow Creek, she can help out at Josh's new club, The Tangled Knot. A year later, Josh proposes with an unique ring in front of friends and employees which Claire accepts. It is a nice story of having courage to do what you want to be happy.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want more! This book was just enough to whet my appetite and make me want to read even more about Claire and Josh and their little corner of the world. And that might be the only real complaint I have. It was over before I was ready to be done with these characters. One of the things I appreciate about this author’s work is that she takes nothing for granted. In a time when so many authors seem to think anything goes in a BDSM novel, I really liked that this story went back to the basics: safe, sane, and consensual. You can have tons of knowledge or no knowledge at all and this book will still make sense. Though, if you well experienced in the Lifestyle, the pace may feel a little slow while Josh introduces Claire to it all. I can’t wait to get my hands on more from this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.

[Margery Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you’re not looking…
I really wasn’t sure what I was in for when I signed up to read and review this book, but I’m thrilled that I did. I hadn’t read anything by Ms. Tuhart in a while, and this book reminded me how wonderful her books are. BDSM is part of the story; however, it is more of a sidelight than the main emphasis. Josh’s patience with Claire while explaining what all is involved was endearing and added greatly to not only his character but also the topic of BDSM. Claire is like a sponge sopping up all of the information and appreciating the entire experience. Ms. Tuhart’s skilled writing brought the characters and their story to life for a thoroughly delightful experience.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our couple has history including a brief encounter in the past, but they were not expecting to run into each other here. Even less so for this to turn into something more than another brief encounter.

This is a novella length romance with hints of BDSM. I say hints because the focus of this story is really on the romance itself, with only mild exploration of the deeper topic. I found this to be a bit disappointing, but fortunately I really enjoyed the romance. The story was well written and easy to read with two very likable characters. I did enjoy watching their relationship develop and would like to see it take the next step in some future book.

Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from Hidden Gems for review purposes.

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story! I couldn’t put it down. I loved every second of it. Claire is on vacation at Dearbourne Inn after promising her sister. Her sister has recently passed and her last wish was to come to this Inn with Claire. She runs into Josh, a man she hit it off with during a date. They connected but the distance put a stop from pursuing it further. She has a week and is thinking of a fling with Josh would be perfect. Josh is into kink and not sure if she would be interested in exploring it. He is surprised when she expresses her desires. They spend the week together and don’t want to see the end of the time to come. Can they make something work to stay together?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and it will not be the last! Claire goes on vacation at the Dearborne Inn to regroup after losing her sister. She meets Josh, your friendly plumber and realize they had met on a blind date over a year ago that was arranged by her sister. Coincidence? They had hit it off on the date, but distance made it difficult to continue further. They decide to explore the world of kink together. Their journey is sweet, tender, sensuous and it will open Claire's eyes to something else. Can this one week fling continue further and become a forever thing? An amazing story of discovery and renewal.

[Tracie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing and soo hot. The chemistry between Josh and Claire was off the charts. Josh and Claire actually went on a blind date a year before thanks to Claire's sister setting them up. A year later Claire is on a week vacation she was supposed to take with her sister but life got in the way and shes now on this trip alone. Her first night at the hotel her faucet acts up and the hotel sends Josh to fix it. Their chemistry is off the charts still after a year and now they have a week to explore. This book is soo good.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for a copy I received from Hidden Gems.

[Ronel Olver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sweet introduction to BDSM and I really enjoyed the book, unlike other books where the innocent heroine is just thrown into lifestyle, Josh takes it easy on Claire and slowly introduces her to it. One of the biggest appeals of this book was that Josh was not a selfish DOM and he makes sure her pleasure comes first and that she is happy and comfortable at all times while she learns to trust him and herself. Short read but the author still manages to convey the passion, feelings and emotions as they fall in love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Carle St-Jacques · Rating 5 out of 5]

@marietuhart writes an amazing story of a woman who decides to be bold while on vacation and have a fling. After reading the first chapter of Risky Proposal I just had a feeling that it was going to be a great book.

It's the tale of two hearts that had passes each other before but weren't ready till now. Claire tries to take her late sister's words to heart and runs into a guy she had a date with a year ago. Josh takes Claire's hand and leads her into the world of BDSM.

From relatable characters to small town feels, I thought Marie Tuhart did a great job at telling a beautiful story. The descriptions really give the ready a picture that this could happen to any small town.

Marie Tuhart is a new author to me. If you are a fan of Shayla Black you would probably enjoy this book.

Thank You to Wild Rose Press Inc and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Claire accept Josh’s proposal?
Claire goes on the vacation that her deceased sister planned for them and discovers Josh whom her sister had set her up with a blind date over a year ago. The distance between them made it difficult to pursue anything further then, but they have a week now to have a vacation fling. Josh helps Claire to find her submissive side, but what will happen when the week is up and Claire’s dream job is due to start? I loved the steam between Josh and Claire as Marie writes like you are right there with them.

[Charlotte O'Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marie Tuhart spices up the Deerbourne Inn series with Claire & Josh's story. I loved how Claire decides to give in to her inner desires which are that she has a submissive side. I also enjoyed how she carried through on her decision to take a chance on a vacation her sister arranged and date a man her sister set her up with the year before. It seemed so sweet that the sisters were still kind of communicating after the passing of one.
Well written, steamy with a romantic dom in Josh.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable read...even if the BDSM discussion was fairly simplistic. I was hoping for a little more substance. The storyline is actually pretty good; the characters somewhat shallow; no real plot twists or turns; but that HEA is a really good one. If you’re looking for something to while away the time, this book is a good choice. Grab it and give it a read today. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and thought it was pretty darn good.)

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire is an IT specialist and about to start her dream job but first she goes to Deerbourne Inn rejuvenate after her sister’s death. When there is a leaky pipe, she runs into Josh who is a plumber and a Dominant that she went out with a year ago. What will happen when sparks begin to fly between them? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, steam and emotion. Great characters and an entertaining story. I liked it.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and gentle start of the love story between Claire and Josh. Her curiosity in kink and his masterful skill in it set the stage for their budding relationship. The fact that Claire is unaware of the what the BDSM scene involves there is a great deal of general and basic explantations and definitions so, sometimes it reads as a tutorial than a romance. Still, it is a good read.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Risky Proposal is actually a sweet romance with very mild BDSM thrown in, even though a lot revolves around Josh building a kink club. After recently losing family, both are in the midst of prioritizing their lives when they re-connect. I loved Claire's go for it attitude and willingness to take chances with Josh. This was a short novella, but the story and characters were well developed to provide an enjoyable romance.

This is a voluntary review of an ARC.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3.5 stars
Claire and Joshua's story is more sweet than explicit. A short, cute little story that introduces on the surface the world of BSDM. If you are looking for intensity, this is not for you. While Claire and Josh explore safe, sane and consensual, it's more of the background than the whole theme. The feelings they develop, the changes Claire makes in her life and the chance Josh takes on a week long romance are the hidden gem.

[Elaine Swinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a copy of this book through Hidden Gems and I voluntarily chose to review it. Wonderful story. It is well written and I loved the characters. For me it was a quick and easy read. Marie Truhart is a favorite author of mine I know when I see her name on a book it is going to be great I will encourage everyone to get this book. Please remember it has a BDSM theme and if this isn't you type of story you will not like it.

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

After one great date but different life goals, Josh and Clair meet again after a year in his home town. The chemistry is still going strong and they decide to have vacation fling. For me, it is just another drop in a big sea of books with a beginner BDSM theme. The characters were ok, but nothing special. Unfortunately, the book was not memorable and its story will quickly fade away.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley

[kepz_lovesreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short read with only the minimum character and chemistry development. I have read other books by Marie Tuhart and I didn't like this one as much. I found the BDSM to be quite tame and more of an introduction into the world. It seems like this same town will be used again in the future though so it will be interesting to see how they progress as a couple.

Thanks to Netgalley.com and Wild Rose Press Inc for my complimentary eARC copy.

[Heather (AllTheJuicyBits) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really short book - I would probably call it a novella instead of a full book - but I enjoyed it. The story of Josh and Claire. Josh is an experienced Dom who helps Claire explore her curiosity about the BDSM lifestyle, and in so doing, manages to fall completely in love with her. Enjoyable story but not much that was especially memorable about it.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book blurb gives the basics of this steamy romance. Dominant Josh is sweet and caring as he introduces submissive Claire to the world of BDSM. Great writing and strong, likable characters. I enjoyed this sexy, hot story a lot.

I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.

[Wanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Risky Proposal by Marie Tuhart didn't turn out to be what I expected. Overall a okay read but felt like it was missing something.

The storyline was okay but nothing really great. I have read many BDSM themes before so that wasn't the problem. I found the storyline hard to get into and follow.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute story. Josh and Claire are so sweet together. They have great chemistry and I love how open and non-drama their relationship is. The writing flows well and this was.a very enjoyable read!

I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.