The Proposal

Dark Wedding #1

by Kitty Thomas

I wanted the fairy tale. Was that too much to ask? The attractive man with his life fully together, who loved me. Babies. The white picket fence.

But men had other ideas. They wanted to waste my time and all my good eggs. They didn’t want to commit. They wanted to sleep at my house, eat my food, and have a mommy bang maid. They wanted me to be their mommy and never complain about it.

So I started to date a bit more ruthlessly. I built a roster. I raised my standards. I stopped being committed to them before they were committed to me.

But it didn’t go exactly as I planned.

This isn’t the part of the story where the princess gets the prince. The is the part where she gets locked in a tower.

I played a high stakes game and lost. Now I’m forced to marry the most ruthless man I know. Play ruthless games, win ruthless prizes.

So much for the fairy tale… this is a cautionary tale.


Note: This is a contemporary reverse harem dark romance with HEA and no cliffhangers.


"A scorcher of a book with delightful surprises and the Kitty Thomas brand of darkness that twists its way to a happy ending." (Charmaine Pauls, USA Today best-selling author)

"Every time a new Kitty Thomas book comes out I think she cannot top the last story and once again I am wrong!” – Kelly, Goodreads

"The chemistry between these characters is explosive! All of this steamy twisted goodness is wrapped up in a satisfying HEA complete with some surprises I didn’t see coming. The Proposal is a must read for all fans of Kitty Thomas and a good place to start for those who are unfamiliar with this author’s work.” – Darkreads, Goodreads

Genres: Dark, BDSM, Dark Romance, Romance, Menage, Erotica, Contemporary

240 pages, Hardcover

First published October 14, 2020

About the author

😈 Author of Comfort Food, published in early 2010: The OG (original gangster/the first) Dark Romance 😈

NEW RELEASE:

RUTHLESS DEVOTION: A dark stalker forced marriage romance:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-Devot...

All Links: https://kittythomas.com/book/ruthless...

"If dark romance with obsession, danger, and just the right touch of chaos is your thing, Ruthless Devotion is a must-read. Aidan is intense, unhinged in the best way, and completely fixated on Maddie—yet somehow, you can’t help falling for him.”-Booksnliftsdiary, Goodreads

"Dark, Twisted, and Addictively Compelling.” – Good Booking Girl, Goodreads

"Maddie is strong, she is smart, and I love her. I’ll be honest I was not sure how Kitty Thomas was gonna get me on team Aiden but she did! I can’t wait to read more from this author!” – Katlyn, Goodreads


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🔥 COMFORT FOOD, the OG Dark Romance: 🔥


Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Food-K...

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🔥 BOOK OF THE WEEK: 🔥


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Kitty began publishing in early 2010 with her bestselling, COMFORT FOOD.

Thank you for reading!


Kitty ^.^

Reviews

[Shaikha · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @20%

How do I always manage to end up on the wrong side of Goodreads? Did GR gods mutually decide that they hate me and don’t want me to actually find a good 5 star read! I feel so wronged! 😍

Please read the blurb and tell me what you think is the possibility of this being a *cue drumroll* RH romance !?!?!!!!!!?
The only correct answer is cypher. Nought. Nill. Anyone who says otherwise will be blocked immediately. Nothing personal, of course.

Things that screamed trouble:

“But it does get exhausting. I found out the hard way that five men is just way too many. I had to drop a couple of guys I actually liked to make it manageable. But three works. I can handle three.”

Ladies and gentlemen… her.

The most pretentious, presumptuous, outrageously annoying h I’ve ever had the (dis)honor of reading.

“No. I don't do the girlfriend thing. Girlfriend is a fake title for a non-commitment that's just committed enough to fuck but isn't really going anywhere. Trust me, I've gotten that T-shirt. I don't want to sleep with anyone who isn't offering me anything real. And I don't believe in monogamy outside of marriage anymore.”

So your sis (I refuse to call her our sis😇) here had a rOtaTing daTinG rostEr where each man she dates is a temporary placeholder until she finds her oNe trUe lOvE. (I’m getting emotional already🥺🥺🥺) Her reasons for dating multiple men was that she couldn’t waste her energy on one man while he kept her on the hook and made her cRaZy wondering if he actually wanted her so she dated multiple men…the most logical thing I’ve ever heard. Even Einstein wouldn’t have been able to come up with this extraordinary solution. Bravo, my girl, Livia.

Your girl Livia was an honorable, self-respecting woman because she refused to sleep with the men she dated unless someone put a ring on it. 🤡 And then one of the three handsome, filthy rich men she was dating did put a ring on it and she decided it was time to sleep WITH ALL THREE OF THEM. Well played, I must say. 😍😍😍😍

This girl Livia is a genius 🤩. I want to be her when I grow up.

[Celia {Hiatus until August} · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I was expecting something a bit darker.
This is the softer book of Kitty Thomas I have read.
4,6 stars

Of course, I was surprised by the path the story went.
Livia is tired of the girlfriend game. The play and no ring, no babies.
She wants stability, so she's trying a new method, no sex and dating several men at the same time.
She meets Soren at the museum, and she thought that she never saw a man so beautiful, she can't believe he wants to date her.

Then she meets Griffin at the park, when she's crying by the way Soren treat her when he found out that she won't have sex with him, and she's dating more men.
I didn't like Soren. Griffin is my favourite. Dayne is sweet.
This is a reverse marriage, when the men also have sex with each other.

I was expecting more.
The scenes weren't too deep, should be more described, the feeling I get of this book, is that we only pass on the surface, never toke the real dive.
A good reading, very difficult to pause it to live the real life.

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

You just have to take a risk on this one - I promise you, you won't be disappointed!

The blurb is deliberately vague to allow what unfolds to surprise you, so this review will be somewhat vague on details! Beware some reviews are not so spoiler free.


It took me a little while to totally get into the story, I'm not sure if it was me, or that it took a while to get to truly know the characters, or because the book hops around in time. (The latter is necessary to allow the story to unfold without spoilers and each chapter is clearly "timeline" labelled.) However that doesn't mean I wasn't loving this twisted and unusual tale. In part it was probably because I needed to get to know the characters, particularly Soren, in more depth before I could fall in love with them. I very enjoyed that this was written from multiple points of view, the story simply wouldn't have worked otherwise, you definitely need to hear each characters motivations and reasoning.


I was fairly annoyed with Soren for quite a chunk of the story. He got so butt-hurt because Livia had the "gall" to date like a men do - keeping her options open and making no promises. She didn't sleep around, and she was honest with him. So his reaction to finding out was totally unreasonable. It wasn't until a scene from the last night of Livia's honeymoon that I actually had a total 180 on the guy and realised that he was, at heart, a really good man. Livia I liked from the start and I'm so glad she got her HEA.


Whilst most of what I want to say would be spoilers, what I can say is that I was constantly surprised by this book, could never guess correctly what would happen next. Soren's friends Griffin and Dayne were much more likeable, most of the time, than he was, but I was still happy with how things played out. By the end of the story I was very confident that Livia's answer to Soren's question would have been "yes", but after all he had put her through, he definitely deserved the teasing non-answer she graced him with.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredible, I read it in one sitting!

It's not quite as dark as Kitty's usually offerings but it was just as satisfying, I know I'll be rereading this one again and again.

I never used to be a fan of RH but now all my fantasies involve more than 1 hero, Kitty has converted me! I absolutely loved all three, even if Soren scares the crap out of me.

Not all of Kitty's books have a HEA. This one did and it was incredibly satisfying. They're never letting Livia go and I'm so happy about that!

[Cécile Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitty has a Proposal for you,and not just any proposal,but a dark one.
One with a twist only she can come up with.
One that had me glued to the pages,and grumpy when daily life interfered.
Because i wanted to stay there,in that story,feeling what Livia felt.
Getting what Livia never thought she’d get.
Even though the price is very high....and she’s in way over her head.

Going back to the start,and seeing all the pov’s works so good for this one!
You really get a sense of what’s going on,and who’s thinking and feeling what.
And still Livia is in the dark....not knowing what will happen...not for sure anyway.
It builds and builds,and then.....

Then what,you say?
You want to find out?
Read it,and see for yourself the Dark Beauty that is The Proposal!
I freakin’ loved it!!!!

[Brooke · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was just one big cringe fest. Paper thin plot with very little story, and zero character substance. MMCs are the walking embodiment of all the red flags and douche vibes you’ve avoided your whole life, and they made me feel icky. All characters sound like 16 year olds & the whole thing just felt immature.

[Kat Ryker · Rating 2 out of 5]

More dark and less abuse, please.

Let me say I had great hopes for this book. I read the blurb, I read the reviews, both good and bad. "Dark" to me means dub/con or non/con but written in a way that it is redeemable. BDSM means following the tenets of BDSM in a sex club. End of story.

This book? Had none of the above. It did have abuse. It had public forcible sex and public humiliation. And none of those things are defined as dark. That's just abuse, plain and simple. Since I've had this site refuse to post this review twice, I've had to clean it up, lol.

The first 30% of the book had promise. Then it fell apart at the wedding and honeymoon and never got it back. It was as if the author was saying, 'well she bit off more than she could chew and let me show you what will happen now.' Despite the fact that it contained hot steam that is necessary for erotica, more than half of the book fell through. If someone actually thinks that the actions in this book are performed in any sort of BDSM club, they are wrong. Yes, there are public scenes in BDSM clubs, but never without the knowledge and consent of the submissive, which this girl was NOT. You can't be a submissive if you never get a chance to refuse. You cannot be a submissive if you are never asked to consent. Someone needs to get a different view on things really fast, otherwise you are misleading readers into thinking that THIS is the BDSM lifestyle and it is not.

The author first needs to try and redeem Soren because even to the end, he was a jerk. Then the other two need to get a backbone and stop following along behind his abusiveness, which they both acknowledge a dozen times in the book. Then because there are people out there who are into public humiliation, public sexual activity, and other things that comprise a teensy corner of the BDSM community/alternative lifestyles, she needs to clearly define that abuse is non-consenting public humiliation, especially when the victim is crying her eyes out and will do anything to make it stop. I was truly wanting to strangle everyone in this book, both heroine and hero for the way she was treated, for no other reason than he was mad at someone else. WTG.

The plot had a lot of potential. This could have been an MMF with lots and lots of fun goings on. Instead, it left a bad taste in my mouth and I hope the author is looking to re-write it. Those of us who love dark know the differences and really want to have a book that goes dark and stays there, for a reason other than the H is ticked off and needs someone to take it out on.

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a totally delightful MMMf story, with devious, devious men who know what they want, and a woman who thought she knew what she was doing but turned out to not really know at all. Whoops.

I like Livia. I think that she started out with a good plan, one that would help her meet her goal. I think that she looked at herself, what she wanted, and her issues, and set up some boundaries that worked really well for her. Maybe she got in over her head, maybe she didn't, but I think it worked, at least for a while.

Of her men, I don't like Soren. I do like Gavin and Dayne. I'm not sure what it is about Soren that I don't like, but there's something. So there's that.

I did really love the story and all the interactions in it.

[KittyLuvr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ms. Thomas' work, the darker, the more twisted, the more mind messing, the better.
However, this one, while mind messing, is not excessively dark.
But honestly, this one did take me a little time to settle into & enjoy. Well, initially that was my impression. The writing itself was no issue at all (as I would expect) & the characters intrigued me BUT this one hopped back & forth from the present to various times in the past for the characters. And I personally am not a big fan of that.
BUT . . . .
I quickly realized I kept reading because I HAD to know what was GOING to happen as well as what HAD happened to bring Livia to the situation in which she found herself. And thus I was somewhat shocked to find I was not bothered by the time flips. At All.
As always with one of Ms. Thomas' books, one truly shouldn't describe much about the plot or even the characters in order to preserve the twists & turns as well as surprises her plots serve up to the unsuspecting reader. And that is one of her signature strengths, her deft ability to keep readers on their toes. And I thrive on that.
This one is like a puzzle where you only see one piece at a time until you begin to see where one might fit the other. And very slowly a picture emerges yet once the puzzle is completed it just may NOT be an image you expected.
Livia was a wonderfully pragmatic intelligent woman who wanted things in life: love, marriage, children. And while she was methodical in her search of those goals, at no time was she greedy, duplicitous, selfish or grasping. Merely a woman who had decided what she wanted, how to get it & stuck to her guns.
The male(s) of this story were varyingly more difficult to like, much less love. But Ms. Thomas gives us tiny slices into their psyche & personalities. Their intent & their goals. Which are most certainly NOT as ethical as Livia's.
So, go into this one with as little foreshadowing as possible. And if time bouncing isn't necessarily your thing, my advice? Persevere. Seriously, persevere.
I was thoroughly enthralled with this one & read it in ONE sitting because I couldn't put it down. Not due to any over the top life & death situation but due to the ever increasing suspense of how these characters came together as they did, of reading as Ms. Thomas peeled back the layers of characters the reader may have incorrectly 'assumed' were something they were not, of being swept into the journey along with a somewhat shell shocked Livia as Fate cast Livia's dice for a future she never could have imagined.
This one will pull you in & KEEP you deeply intrigued as well as increasingly invested in the plot & characters. There is deft & subtle tension that will keep the reader on delicious tenterhooks, sensual & sizzling steam to curl your toes, emotional suspense & enlightenment to engage the reader to care about Livia & her situation.
The story is beautifully & smoothly written, nothing yanks the reader from the flow & Ms. Thomas knows how to capture a readers emotions with a wonderfully light & subtle touch.
I vastly enjoyed this one & I think most readers will too.

[Darkreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not a secret that I absolutely adore Kitty Thomas' writing and have yet to read a book of hers I haven't loved. The proposal, however, is in a league of its own. While this isn't by far the darkest or the most twisted book Ms. Thomas has ever written, The Proposal has a refreshingly different tone underneath the usual dark themes explored in Kitty's books. For me, it's usually the male characters that make this author's books, but in this case Livia stole the show. I just couldn't get enough of her sass, humor, honesty and no-nonsense attitude when it came to going after what she wanted. And while I can totally see how some readers might take issue with Livia's methods, they made sense to me in light of her history. This is not to say that the male characters weren't great. They absolutely were everything I would expect from this author and then some. This book is also structured differently and is a slower burn which, surprisingly, worked exceptionally well. Once we do get to the steamy scenes, they are fire! The chemistry between these characters is explosive! All of this steamy twisted goodness is wrapped up in a satisfying HEA complete with some surprises I didn't see coming. The Proposal is a must read for all fans of Kitty Thomas and a good place to start for those who are unfamiliar with this author's work.

[A.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review will be extremely vague because this book deserves to be read again and again. Kitty Thomas never disappoints with her writting. This book was an addiction from the start, I could not put it down and when I was done I read it again.
It’s a must in yout bookshelf (either numeric or paper format)

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Phew. That's a difficult one.
I forgot I read a book by this author 5 years ago and hated it. Even got it refunded.
Anyway, I found that short mysterious blurb so intriguing, I had to read the book.
And what a roller coaster.
I did not expect anything that was thrown at me here.

Then why only 2 stars you ask?

Let me first start with what I liked:

- The writing style is good. Throughout. That was a plus for the stars.
- The concept and plot and the back and forth in the chronology was fresh and interesting in its own.
- I loved loved loved the FMC. I rarely even like them, rather adore the men. But not here. That woman was fantastic. I wanted to hug her and make everything right for her.
- The unapologetic way the author is showing what kind of life styles are possible and that nothing is immoral or not normal. It's a pledge for a more open minded, equal and free way of life and society.

Now for what I didn't like:

- I hated all three men. They are entitled, cruel, hypocritical a**holes. I hate that they are such typical Alpha males that they have to take revenge at Livia for just living like all men do. Such a double standard. They just can't take it, that she is taking the same freedom as they do. And then go and say she played them, though she didn't. If a man would blatantly have a girlfriend roster, they would applaud him, copy him. But heaven forbid that a woman would dare to do the same.
- Livia wanted to find someone as an equal, who loved her, gave a stable and longstanding secure relationship. She wanted to be respected. And also a bit of romantic gallantry. That's nothing bad. I'm convinced these men do not give her that. You can't build a long lasting meaningful relationship on bdsm powerplay and lots of se*.
- I hated that they blackmailed her. She had no choices. They didn't ask for her consent in a fair way. They just used her and humiliated her into a toy, a slave.
- They never ever told her about their real feelings for her.
- The pre-nup made me want to vomit.
- I didn't expect this Master/Sir/sadism theme. Don't like it. If I had known this before, I wouldn't have read the book.

All in all:

The book gets the stars for the awesome female main character, the good writing style and the construction of the plot.

Would I recommend it to others:

Well, everyone likes other things. This is just my opinion. Read it and make your own.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I’ve been searching for and haven’t found until now! This is my new favorite! I probably say that with all of Kitty’s books because they only get better. But this time. This time it’s everything I’ve wanted. It has Kitty’s signature darkness albeit in a slightly different way. I always struggle reviewing Kitty books because her writing, her plots are so intricate I’m afraid I will unknowingly leave a spoiler. There’s not much I can say because I don’t want to give even the smallest detail away. I can’t wait to go back and read the book again. It’s that good. This book is will forever be one of my all-time favorites. Not just a favorite Kitty Thomas book, but a top of the list forever favorite of all books. I never know how Kitty will be able to top her newest release but she always does. I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next.
Even those this is a stand-alone like all of her books, I’m crossing my fingers and toes for more in this world! Maybe Livia’s best friend Macy will get a book! I want to leave my favorite quote from the book but I’m going to ‍blank out the “hero’s” name so it doesn’t give anything away. *winks evilly*

“______ is every little girl’s fairy tale gone wrong”


See why that’s my favorite? *sigh*

Even if you’re already a fan of Kitty Thomas, hold on because you’re in for a new treat! It’s different than anything she’s written thus far and I highly approve! Bravo! Ms. Thomas!

[Najah Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this book has both the male and female perspective, because I love being able to read both point of views! Livia and Soren’s story started off with a traditional and fairytale like wedding including a reluctant bride and a sinister groom. Soren is the type of man that feeds off the terror in Livia’s eyes, and lives to make her both uncomfortable and on edge. Livia would love nothing more than to run away and never see Soren again, but she knows there is no place she can hide where he won’t find her. I was on a wild ride through their past, present and future with no end to their craziness. There is most definitely evil-romance with a good amount of blackmail and lots of domination. Compared to some of Kitty Thomas’ other books, this one leans toward the lighter side, though it’s still plenty dark (dark-gray). Five stars all the way!! Excellently written and will have you hooked from the first page until the last. I wish more books were written like this, although my family would hardly be able to tear me away from my Kindle, if all authors were as talented as Kitty Thomas is.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received this book as a gift in exchange for my honest opinion.

WOW!!!!!!! Is it just me or does each and every book that Kitty writes get better and better? Is this book dark? Yes, but only by genre standards, I've read WAAAAAY darker than this. Is it sexy? Pfft, you have NO idea! Will you be completely pulled into this story from the very first chapter? You bet cha. In fact, you might not put this down until you're done.

Due to the amount of twists, turns and jaw dropping scenes, I'm not going to use names, nor give a synopsis like I usually do in my reviews. It would give away too much and you really need to read this with virgin eyes. But I will say this...

Even though Kitty bounces from the past to present and all of the in between throughout this book, she does a really good job not only navigating the timeline, but making sure you're aware and following along without trouble. In fact, I think it's the time changes that add to the suspense of a lot that happens in the story.

Ok, I'll say one more thing.....this heroine sure is a lucky girl!!!!!

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to begin with how much I loved this book! It is told in different timelines, with different characters POV, but it flowed so smoothly. The story pieced together exactly as it should have, more of an abstract painting than a recreation of a scene. The story did what it wanted, went where it wanted, and explained itself as it needed, and we were left with a piece of art that I could totally immerse myself into. And holy goddesses was it hot, like take a few breaks from reading hot, and tuck away that scene for later hot. It was also smart, in a realistic, determined, turning my fantasy into reality while not fully understanding the consequences way. There were so many emotions in this book, I felt so many emotions while reading this book, and you really need to read to understand it all. Trust me, this love story, this proposal will dominate your thoughts afterwards as well!

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time a new Kitty Thomas book comes our I think she cannot top the last story and once again I am wrong!
The Proposal is in its own realm, the idea is so unbelievable and crazy, and the characters are captivating and flawless.
This story is full of so many loops, turns, and twists that it captured me fiercely from page one and kept me enthralled to the end.
A story of love, passion, and dreams!

[mlady_rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of a first meeting, engagement, wedding, and honeymoon (plus an epilogue) told in a non-linear style. The author was so careful to avoid spoilers, I basically read this one purely based on the author’s reputation. I wasn’t disappointed.

Thinking of putting off adding some of my typical (sex related) tags, just because this book really does read best going into it blind. It’s sexually charged, even though the bride went into things saying she didn’t want intercourse till her wedding night. Not a virginal thing, but a desire to commit to the right man this time around. Definite kinky vibes, but more D/s than fetish based.

Do you really want to be spoiled? Okay. Final warning. (I get quote happy.)

mmfm. Not a love quadrangle, but a HEA quad. The guys were college fraternity brothers. They fuck each other and share girls. One public wedding, three private marriages.

Technically no cheating, because she didn’t promise fidelity till marriage and they get off with each other between the engagement and the wedding night.

Livia Fairchild.
Soren Kingston.
Griffin Macdonald.
Dayne Montgomery.

[D/s. Maledom. Dubcon. Double penetration. Plugs. Light bondage. Exhibitionism. Minor impact play.]

Livia is the luminescent full moon that shines down on all of us, offering her soft glow to light up the night. But we are the men who shift to animals under that same moon.

***

Dayne is the kind of man who calmly thinks things through. Griffin is the impulsive one who goes with whatever he feels. Soren... ruthlessly calculates.

***

[Soren’s] eyes are every dark forest any fairy tale child has ever gotten lost in. They're deep green and completely impenetrable. Wild animals lurk inside them, watching me like prey. ...

“Boys, I have our new toy,” Soren announces, before the door has even shut completely. Griffin's normally lighter blue eyes seem nearly as dark and fathomless as Soren's. And Dayne's warm brown are now dark pits. They are each a forest for me to lose my way in, and I don't know which one of them is hiding the bread crumbs that will get me back home safe.

***

Soren's kisses are like a tornado spinning through me and breaking me apart, rough and ravaging and demanding I submit. No matter how much I already think I have, Soren's mouth always disagrees and demands more. Griffin's kisses are passionate and frenzied but they don't have the fear I might disappear behind them. They don't have the need to lock me in a tower and throw the key away.

Dayne's kisses are all calm command. They are strong and silent but soft and gentle at the same time. His tongue doesn't dominate me or conquer me when it slips into my mouth. It coaxes my tongue to join his dance. Maybe he's the one with the bread crumbs that leads me safely out of the forest.

**********

“I'd ask if I could buy you an ice cream to cheer you up, but that method obviously isn't working.”

I look up, wiping the tears off my cheeks to find a very handsome man standing in front of me—as good looking as Soren, in fact. He is an angel to Soren's demon. His looks are light to Soren's dark.

He has a golden tan, sun-streaked blond hair, and some of the bluest eyes I've ever seen—besides my own. And a toothpaste commercial smile with a dimple. A freaking dimple.

***

Livia practically flings herself on my mercy. I wrap my arms around her, feeling her warm soft skin pressed desperately against me. I place a gentle kiss to her forehead and stroke her hair. I'm not about to save her, but I'll let her believe it—for a moment at least. I enjoy this role as the hero, her savior from the evil villain, Soren.

He can play the big bad wolf all he wants to, as long as she runs to me for protection. I was the one who held him back the night of the proposal after all. In that moment when I'd put my hand on his shoulder to stop him, the gratitude in her eyes was so intoxicating that it was all I could do to keep my hands to myself when I drove her home. But I was a good boy. I didn't want to destroy the role she'd given me in her life. A part of me still doesn't. ...

I know I can't take Soren in a fair fight, but if I wanted to save her, Dayne would burst in here and back me up. I look back to the door to find his shrewd gaze observing this entire scene. Oh yeah, he's up for playing hero if need be. That's the beauty of this little power triangle. Soren may be the strongest, but Dayne and I tend to form alliances when he goes too far. ...

“You're loving this shit, aren't you?” Soren asks, giving me a derisive glare.

“What shit?”

“The way she clings to you like you're the good guy.”

“Maybe I am the good guy.”

He laughs at this. “Sure, Griff. You're on the short list for new saints.”

I ignore his barb. He's jealous that Livia responds to a bit of softness, something he isn't as equipped to give. He knows it puts him at a disadvantage, and so he plays raw power instead.

**********

[Dayne’s pov.]

When it's more than just fucking, when there are feelings beyond brotherhood, when there's a relationship, there has to be someone at the center of it all to bend to our will. That's where Livia comes in. It's a delicate dance and trade of power across the board. Even so, there has to be a power that can hold everything together.

Griffin's power is too impulsive and uncontrolled—wild like an unexpected rainstorm. Soren's is too ruthless. He knows what's right, but he'll do whatever he wants anyway. And even though I came to this party late, I know why Soren invited me rather than just keep her between him and Griffin—even if he himself doesn't know. And it isn't just access to the resort and all its pleasures.

It's because I'm the stable power, the safe power, the one who subtly manages things behind the scenes. Livia is the soft power, but she doesn't know that yet. It may take years for her to realize and step into her own power. It may take her years to understand just how much all of us would sacrifice for her, how much wealth and luxury and pleasure and safety and protection we will gladly lay at her feet because she makes everything possible. She's the first one we've all seen a real future with, the key to all our locks.

I don't think any of us believed we could ever have this in a real and permanent relationship. It was always just supposed to be fucking around. And it always was. Before her.

****

From the author’s newsletter. [Sequel in the works.]

If you've read The Proposal this will make sense to you, if you haven't all I can say is these characters are in The Proposal. Next up is Macy and Colin's book. Yes, you heard me right. I'm putting Macy together with Colin. I don't anticipate this book being told out of sequential order so even though it's in the same world, don't expect the same storytelling pattern. I'm hoping to release in January but we'll see how it goes.

This one may be a bit darker than The Proposal, again I'm not sure. And there MAY after that be an extended epilogue for Livia and the guys. It depends on if I somehow cover it in this book or not.

[Charisse Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitty Thomas' THE PROPOSAL is an unconventional romance in every way. It is not your typical Kitty Thomas book, not your typical wedding trope, not your typical romance, and not your typical read. This book was a fun ride and I loved every word of it.

There are all kinds of double standards in this world. What happens when you turn the tables and act out the other side of the dating game? Livia does just that - she refuses to give up the goods to any man until he proposes, and she also refuses to settle for just any man. She keeps a rotating roster of dates, switching out the men in her life for those with the best qualities and manners. Though it may appear so, she's not digging for the gold - she's simply raised her standards and refuses to settle for less. The first man in her roster to propose will win her heart forever. The rest will have to deal with their own loss.

Except, the powerful and dominant men on Livia's roster refuse to play her game. When the rules change, Livia's life shifts and she finds herself walking down the aisle feeling like a prisoner on death row. Can Livia's heart handle it?

THE PROPOSAL plays with the rules just the way Livia's suitors do. This tale of unconventional love is told out of order, weaving together fragments of time that still seamlessly blend and build into a breathtakingly beautiful love story. From first dates to wedded bliss, Livia's life unfolds in a creative and imaginative format that is still easy to follow. Though Livia refuses to sleep with a man until there is a ring, the deed does happen and the heat that fans of Kitty Thomas expect scorches the page!

The tags and warnings for this book may be a spoiler for some, so stop reading now and look away if you don't want to know. You have been warned! This book does contain group sex as well as some male on male action. If this isn't something you want to read, this story may not be your thing. If you are indifferent or curious to these scenes, Kitty Thomas handles them well.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

•They think this is the part of the story where the princess gets the prince, where they get married and live happily ever after. But this is the part where she gets locked in the tower.•

The Proposal spiderwebs around a wedding; beautiful affairs full of happiness and light, yes? And sure this wedding may look like just another, if you’re not the bride. If you don’t understand the true story of what’s taking place.
Ah, but maybe the true story IS beautiful, in its own erotically ruthless way. The vastly delicate and seemingly treacherous balance of power traversing The Proposal will enthrall and enrapture. It will both pull on desires and leave you questioning them.
It’s a beguiling story with one of the most satisfying endings to a Kitty Thomas book I’ve read.
There’s a sort-of epilogue in the story, and it’s everything; like the perfect mousse after a decadent meal.

(after finishing, my brain made me listen to Sweet Dreams by Marilyn Manson. Repeatedly. It just fits so well O_o)

[Cindi Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hard review to write because I don't want to give away anything from the story. It is definitely not what you expect it's going to be, and I loved it. The characters are very well written and the way the story progresses, with each chapter being from one of the characters point of view, works very well. It really helps you gain an understanding of each person. I wasn't a real fan of the heroine at first, but I must admit she has an extremely interesting and well thought out explanation for why she does what she did. Definitely makes you think about whether she might even be right. And she grew on me towards the end. Now the guys, just wow. All alpha male, yet in different degrees and characteristics. As I said, no spoilers, so I will just say, who would think that Kitty Thomas could take a story like this, with all the non-con, dubious con, forceful agenda and all and turn it into a HEA? Not me. But she did. Well worth the read.

[Buffyanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Livia Fairchild is tired of the Girlfriend experience of being a placeholder and never finding her own happy ending. If guys can play the field, why can’t women? So Livia develops a dating roster and makes no apology for it. She will date multiple men and sleep with no one until she has a ring on her finger. Before long, Livia’s self confidence and outlook are boosted and her dating pool has levelled up.

But then an unforeseen complication arises. The men she is currently dating run in powerful circles and know one another. They take exception to her “rules”. Will Livia’s plan result in true love? Or has she landed something darker?

The Proposal is told in multiple viewpoints and flashes back and forth between present time and the past year of dating and courtship. It is suspenseful and engaging. I have difficulty accepting the nature of Livia’s HEA and the problems that it would cause, but I loved the relationships at the core of the story.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a different rhythm than I am used to from this author. It was a rhythm I can absolutely march to, as well as dance to and you know ...do a lot of things to. If you like men who are alpha....buckle up baby you are in for a triple treat. If you like a book that is so hot you wake up your partner to ‘discuss’ it....then this book is for you. I highlighted a few lines and paragraphs. Words so delicious I needed to be able to come back and savor them again. I would not be heartbroken in any way, shape or form if we get to see these characters again in another story, even as side characters. I read this book as it was provided to me free for an honest review. I will buy it on release day, I enjoyed it too much not show the author my respect by paying for the pleasure that her written words have provided me.

[Nadine Bookaholic]

I got in over my head.⁣
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I bit off more than I could chew. ⁣
⁣
And now my fate is sealed to the most ruthless man I know.⁣
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Two hundred and fifty guests. They think they know what's happening today. But they don't have a clue.⁣
⁣
My wedding day. But it's so much more than that.⁣
⁣
The Proposal by Kitty Thomas is an all-new a standalone contemporary dark romance and it's out NOW!
#excerpt and #giveaway can be found here ➞ http://bit.ly/3mgXELH

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

i want to give this 2 1/2 stars. spoilers ahead....

IDK, i didn't expect this to be a RH book. I don't mind RH, but really didn't connect with this one. kitty thomas is probably one of my fav authors, especially for her psychological components of this book. there are a few unresolved issues, that i can't quite get over. 1. what happened on spring break? 2. did she every find out dayne was a set up and not a chance meeting? 3. so everyone just accepted that she was with all 3? idk, the more i type it out, the more i really didn't enjoy this book. especially bc i know she can and has far better/superior work.

[Terra Drynan-Werder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only Kitty Thomas can take dark and twisted to a whole new level. This book is by far much tamer than some of her other works, but no less satisfying or twisted in its own way. I don't want to say anything that will give away the story, but I love how it was told in both the past and the present and then how it circled around to some things we didn't see the first time around. It was a wonderful story about ultimately living the life you are meant to live. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book for an honest review.

[Basic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review is purposely vague as to not spoil anything.

Kitty has surprised me with this book, it’s not the typical dark and dirty Kitty Thomas book, but it’s so much more! It’s still taboo, still steamy and filled with kink and thrills.

The Proposal is not at all what you’re expecting, yet it kept me enthralled and loving every minute.

Every character in this book is perfectly written to their part.

This story is next level.

[Melanie Cesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this story sure keeps you intrigued throughout the entire story. The proposal made to Livia is not one you’d expect. There’s not much that can be said so nothing is spoiled. Go in with an open mind and enjoy the show. This story is unconventional and steamy. The characters are inviting and keep you interested. I enjoyed the different points of views and seeing what each were thinking and feeling. A dark, twisted journey.

[Tish · Rating 5 out of 5]

She outdone herself yet again!! In true Kitty Thomas fashion she has weaved an amazing story that is taboo, sexy and twisted. She sure knows how to do dark romance perfectly. While not as dark as some of her other books, The Proposal was the perfect balance of everything.

[AlexandraB95 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Traveling in time Back and forth constantly i hated that.I didn’t understand whats the catch with the heroine.She was a dull and bland character.The heroes were like little petulant kids.50% in story we still don’t have sexy times.DNF