Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Wrong Mr. Right #1

The Ex Proposal

Rate this book
What happens when your high school ex becomes your fake boyfriend?

Giselle Stone is best known for her smoothie truck and her love of K-pop, but one of those things is not acceptable to her mother.
After she’s pushed to the edge of her patience—thanks, Mom—she concocts a lie that’s sure to get the parents off her back.
A fake long-distance relationship with her ex.
It’s a foolproof plan.
Until the other half of her lie suddenly shows up in Belize, looking ten times sexier than he did in high school.
Getting West Phillips to join her ruse is the easy part. Resisting his roguish good looks and worldly charm is… a little more complicated.
As West drags old feelings back to the surface, one problem becomes very clear.
He won’t settle down in Belize and she’s got roots too deep there.
Can Giselle stick to the plan without losing her heart? Or will she fall for someone destined to leave her?


The Ex Proposal is a BWWM fake relationship romance, with a splash of humor, a dash of heat and tons of heart, set in the tropical paradise of Belize, Central America.

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 3, 2021

277 people are currently reading
383 people want to read

About the author

Nia Arthurs

165 books981 followers
From an early age, Nia knew she wanted to be a writer and actively began chasing that dream when she was a teenager.

Nia writes interracial romance and contemporary romance with guaranteed happy endings. She loves strong heroines and swoon-worthy heroes, and just enough spice and drama to keep things interesting!

Look for the Taming Series (Taming Mr. Jerkface, Taming Mr. Charming, Taming Mr. Know-It-All, and Taming Mr. Darcy) in ebook format.

And catch up with Nia on Facebook @authorniaarthurs. Happy Reading!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
148 (38%)
4 stars
124 (31%)
3 stars
86 (22%)
2 stars
22 (5%)
1 star
8 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for K..
4,768 reviews1,136 followers
February 3, 2022
Trigger warnings: panic attacks, ableist language, death of a parent (in the past), catfishing.

3.5 stars

I literally only picked this up because it was set in Belize, and I've never read anything set in Belize before. And for the most part, this was cute! Basically, it's about a young woman whose mother is nagging her to ditch her obsession with K-Pop in favour of dating so she claims to be in a long distance relationship with her high school boyfriend who moved to the US a decade earlier. Except then he comes back to Belize to save his family's hotel and her mother finds out and invites him over for dinner and they agree to fake date but catch real feelings.

So, like, the premise was cute, the setting was great, and the friendships were delightful. That being said, there WAS more miscommunication going on between them than I would have liked ("I want to date her for real, but she just wants to be friends, so I'll reassure her that I just want to be friends too" "I want to date him for real" etc), and there were odd moments that were from the perspective of a third character - a set up for the second book - that just pulled me out of the story.

But I'm definitely...intrigued...by the premise of the second book, so maybe I'll pick it up somewhere down the track!
1,015 reviews17 followers
May 7, 2021
Not for me

There are a lot of things I didn’t like in the book but the main 2 were 1// I understand a clean romance but this book was taking it too far. West and Giselle were adults but they , as well as Giselle’s parents were behaving as if they were young teenagers. Unrealistic. The whole they can’t be alone in her house or they have to be thinking marriage while he’s just back in Belize was crazy. I really hated the lack of communication and emotional maturity in this book as well as the ridiculous attitude Giselle had in regards to “the dress”. Basically, because she like the kiss too much, she behaved like an immature brat, was rude and dismissive to him and worse didn’t even bother wearing the dress. Accepting a gift doesn’t make you a gold digger. This fake “independence “ is just extreme. He was just happy to give her something and there was no quid pro quo implied.
2/ and I guess it’s my main gripe with this book, it’s the lack of communication and compromising. Let’s be honest Giselle isn’t needed to run the business with her sister. She’s actually using this business as a crunch not to venture out of her confort zone and live in a fantasy world with a obsessive behavior regarding KPop. It would have made more sense if they agreed to live abroad for a set amount a time and come back to Belize when they have children for instance. As it was, West basically had to make her dreams his. Frustrating. The whole, you’re my home might sound romantic but it really isn’t if it isn’t reciprocated.
28 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2021
Eh

Couldn't finish. Gis is too weak and annoying. She acts too young to be an adult. Her mother was over the top too.
Profile Image for Paige Lynn.
Author 14 books3 followers
June 8, 2022
A clean romance that doesn't skimp on giving you the feels. I was invested in the characters as individuals and them as a couple. The mother was the driving force behind the fake dating excuse, but it came across as totally realistic. Most women can identify with well-meaning mothers/aunties/grannies pushing you toward the future they want for you and not necessarily the one God has planned. The heroine simply said, pump the breaks, and let me breathe. The hero just agreed to be her umbrella. And he's just not that guy. He's the playa and he wants to keep playing. But he can't resist how good it feels to be in a committed relationship and really return love in full to one like the sweet heroine. From a writing standpoint, it was well written and dare I say better than book 2 as I read these out of order without getting confused. There is a wrench thrown in the story that I didn't necessarily see coming that made sure the book didn't fall prey to the boring middle. I would recommend this to others. I'm really of two minds about the ending.

If you want to hear more of my thoughts, check out my website, : HERE
Profile Image for Vilma .
905 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2022
second chance romance, fake relationship turns into the real deal

I definitely enjoyed the chemistry and banter between Giselle Stone and West Phillips. The tropical location of Belize makes you want to visit. And the friends, family and sub characters complement the story.

Although, Giselle’s family is a little too perfect they are still believable, but the dynamics behind West and his family are unconvincing.

The story begins the airport with West recovering a lost, stuffed animal for a young girl whom reminds him of his niece, but then there’s no other mention of his family except his parents and his Uncle Finn whom he has come to visit while rebranding the hotel.

While West definitely grows on me, Giselle with her immaturity and insecurity annoys me.

This story is decently written and the ending is worthy of the rating, with the high school couple, now adults and finding their happy ending.
377 reviews18 followers
February 9, 2022
I wasn't born with anything, my weapon is hard work and determination. -Seungho on of Winner.

Wonders never cease.

Money is better than nothing. A hell of a lot better. (It can't buy trust, commitment or happiness)

Every decision had consequences and every consequence could spell the difference between failure and success.

K-pop isn't about building up a race as superior to another. It's reaching over the lines and showing us that we have a lot more in common despite our differences. There was a hierarchy of attraction that went beyond the language and cultural barrier.

What i wanted, knew and needed was not matching up.

If I could walk for just one day, I wouldn't just stand, I'd dance until I collapsed.

Having your crap together matters. If you jump into a river without looking, you could drown. But if you built a boat so you can cross, you'll protect yourself and the people you love. Get yourself in order.

Door Mat: if you're here, you're home.
Profile Image for Erin Penn.
Author 4 books23 followers
February 25, 2022
Nia Arthurs specializes in writing interracial romances - her heroines are black and her heroes are white or asian. I think this is the case of writing what you want to see in the world, writing to make yourself and your family visible - and that is completely right and good. She has produced over 80 romances.

And this book, the first one I read by her, is about heart and family, about knowing your place and finding your place in the world while falling in love. It's about respect and caring. The love scenes are behind closed doors for the most part, but the WORK of becoming a true couple is front and center.

Oh, and if you are a k-pop or k-drama fan, like the author, there is a lot of call-outs for you in the book. (For all my k-drama friends - why should superhero fans get all the easter eggs in books?)
Profile Image for Erika Jackson.
658 reviews4 followers
May 9, 2021
Love it!

When I see Now has a new book out, I just one click it! This story was definitely good, entertaining, interesting, and emotional. Giselle have alot going on. She is independent woman, smart, funny, and has a crazy obsession. She is unapologetic woman that knows what she wants. She is fierce and sweet. West is an amazing man. He love a challenge, sexy, smart, and funny. He is so charming and sweet. He is determine to get the girl! I was really enjoying this story. The writing was done beautifully and every word flows throughout the pages flawlessly. I just didn't like the unexpected chapters with others unless their part of the story so that is why I gave it four stars. The story outweighs those chapters greatly. Amazing work again Nia Arthurs!
824 reviews5 followers
May 29, 2021
Gisselle and West - The Ex Proposal

Another great and loving book by Nia Arthurs! West Phillips was a womanizer until he went back to Belize and saw his high school friend, Gisselle. Gisselle had made up a story about having a boyfriend, West Phillips, never figuring that West would be in Belize at that very moment. Not surprising that the more time they spent together the closer they got. West was on a time schedule of 7 months and then Cinderella would leave the island and Gisselle behind. But he fell in love with her and she fell in love with him too. But their time was up. What happened in the 30 days West was gone will amaze you and make you cry. Since I refuse to be a spoiler .... Happy reading this wonderful HEA.
27 reviews
January 7, 2022
The Ex Proposal

This book was about Giselle and West being initially being in a fake relationship turn real relationship. Giselle and West we’re high school sweethearts who hadn’t seen nor spoken to each other in 10 years. In order to stop her mom from setting her up on a blind date Giselle lied and said she was in a long distance relationship with West. Surprisingly and Unknowing the next day West returned to Belize for work and Giselle’s mother saw him and questioned him about his “relationship” with her daughter.

West with on with the fake relationship because he needed to impress someone for a business deal. This fake relationship brought out real feelings and emotions.

Definitely a good read. On to book 2.
234 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2021
Love was the proposal

Deeply heartfelt and honest with emotions, if not with people. West and Giselle's story is one of courage to love and fear of loving too deeply all at the same time. Time was not what mattered, giving all of his heart did. Loving her with all he had and prioritizing her for the time they had together. West was always the best version of himself with Giselle and the most authentic self he could be. She was the missing happiness in his soul. This story is told with passion for the people, place and plot. The intertwined stories and ways the characters and the very landscape connected made this book hard to put down. Can barely wait for the sequel.
Profile Image for Kay.
246 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2021
Wild West

Helping out his ex by pretending to get back together, West proves he can put his playboy ways behind him. Loved the book but I was honest, I recognized my self in Christina. In 2011 I awoke to Korean rap being blasted and my induction into everything K-Pop. I too questioned the femininity of the members, the make up, the costumes 🤷🏽‍♀️ I have been to K-Con in New York and know all the units from seventeen. I appreciate West being to overlook the crazy and love Gis anyway.
Profile Image for Yvonne Daniels.
2,698 reviews22 followers
March 10, 2022
Sweet

Oh my what a delightful story! One that is definitely enjoyable this is such a fantastic story that has awesome characters, with such great chemistry. This really a funny, exciting, thrilling, sweet passionate Romance! It will bring a smile to your heart along with such a sweet romantic feeling but the one thing I enjoyed the most is the ending. Plus the time spent on building up their relationship is such a delight and so much fun to read even the secondary characters are great. Overall this is a five star romance which l greatly enjoyed.
153 reviews
April 15, 2022
Great read!

I have read many books by this author and have never been disappointed. I loved each one! West was so adorable and their love story was so beautiful and compelling that it was hard to put down. I am not into long drawn out graphic sex scenes and this is one reason I enjoy this author's books so much. The physical tension and attraction are strong; however, that is not the main thing or even the first thing that is focused on. I highly recommend West's and Gis' story!
Profile Image for Tay.
184 reviews41 followers
October 5, 2023
Meh

General thoughts - I wasn’t impressed and it was kind of sloppily done. Too much telling, never any showing and it read like it was written by a high schooler. We never got time to process anything. Everything happened immediately. There was zero suspense and zero build up. The characters were so wish washy. I wasn’t invested in any of them or what the outcome of their ‘relationship.’

Book was boring with uninteresting characters and I had to REALLY focus in order to finish this book.
Profile Image for Helen Williams.
283 reviews5 followers
May 6, 2023
West and Giselle

It was a good story. I was a bit disappointed that Giselle didn't love West enough to try living away from Belize to be with him. If she loved him as !such as she claimed, then she would have tried. Women all over the world leave their homelands to be with their men. She was selfish and acting like a little girl, in instead of a grown woman. West was a good man, who she didn't deserve.
800 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2021
Great book!

I really enjoyed this story. Loved the chemistry between West and Giselle it was smoking hot! Loved the journey Ms Arthur's takes you on and the characters you meet. I highly recommend this book to my fellow romance readers. You will not be disappointed. Get it today.
349 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2021
Loved Loved Loved

All I can say is that I absolutely love West and Giselle. They were such well developed likable characters and together they were simply the best. I loved that West finally found his home and that Giselle finally found her real life love. This book is now in my top 5 books from Nia Arthurs. All I will say is to keep the love stories coming.
242 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2021
Excellent!

I absolutely loved this book. It was very well written and edited whick kept me riveted. I didn't want to put it down. I just don't understand why he couldn't live in Belize and still work around the world. She could travel with him and still call that home base. 2 stubborn in love people lol.
Profile Image for Lisa Marshall.
38 reviews16 followers
August 14, 2021
Crossroads

West and Gis was a touching story . Fake love turned into to true love. Latoya hot Asian guy was a double bag and I loved how it was kpop inspired. I can't wait to read book 2 in this series.
1,124 reviews5 followers
February 9, 2022
Nia Arthur's The Ex-Proposal was such a delightful read. Its entertaining easy-to-read page-turning plot was filled with hilarity galore and romance. Moreover, the author's use of imagery and other vivid details created a lively tone. I really liked the narrative.
Profile Image for Cammyjoe.
1,428 reviews8 followers
May 15, 2022
Gis & West

Giselle and West dated for a short while in high school… for reason beyond West’s control he had to move to America from Belize. He never reached out or keep in touch… However, what meant to be will be!
Found out how they found each other again .!!!
39 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2022
So, so good!!!

This was a refreshing read with all the quick wit & crackling chemistry that Nia always brings. Loved all the players , especially Giselle 's K-pop loving squad ! Can't wait to read book 2 !!!
Profile Image for Whit.
3,655 reviews51 followers
July 10, 2022
Disappointing!
I expected a reunion of two people rebuilding a past relationship.
Giselle tells a lie to get her mother off of her back. And West goes along with the mess. They both sounded and acted like immature teenagers.
264 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2022
Hello,

Cure romance.
Endearing characters.
I remove one star, because the heroine was sometimes too dramatics and I did not like some descriptions/ remark about the innocence of the heroine or like its a good girl to married.


Emilie
77 reviews
April 29, 2023
Giselle and West

Loved the relationship between West and Giselle.
However, this was not my favorite book written by the author. It was boring, the mother was annoying and overbearing as she meddled in the daughter's love life. This is a 2.5 star only.
Profile Image for Celeste Anderson.
503 reviews3 followers
November 1, 2023
A Delightful Romance

Ms Arthurs gives readers a fun, sweet interracial romance. The story is filled with sassy humor and tender emotions. The characters are refreshing and well developed. Giselle and her friends are especially enjoyable and authentic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.