Title: The Love Proposal
Author: Camilla Isley
Genre: Romance
Published on: July 22, 2023
(first published July 12, 2020)
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Source: digital
Pages: 254
Synopsis:
The moment you stop looking, that’s when Prince Charming will come knocking on your door!
Summer Knowles does not want a boyfriend. Relationships have caused enough problems in her life. As bridesmaid at her sister’s wedding, she’s going to avoid all things romantic – especially the brawny, hipster best-man who has commitment-phobe written all over him!
When Archie Hill meets Summer, he immediately thinks bridesmaid-and-best-man-with-benefits! They have one week together and may as well make the most of it. But what if one week just isn’t enough…
As wedding fever takes hold, can a sworn-off-men bridesmaid and a die-hard bachelor learn a thing or two about happy-ever-after?
A friends-with-benefits, wedding date rom-com, perfect for fans of Sarah Adams!
*Please note that this title was originally published as You May Kiss the Bridesmaid.
My thoughts
(Spoiler free)
The Love Proposal may be the steamiest of Camilla Isley’s books I’ve read, but I am here for it! A sweet friends-with-benefits story set over a week at a resort wedding, this best man and bridesmaid make the most of their time before the big day.
“Weddings are too emotional. I shouldn’t be forced to reflect on my love life while attending one.”
Camilla Isley, The Love Proposal
Don’t worry if you’re a fan of closed door, fade to black romances. This dual point of view story is still very much a closed door one, but we get plenty of time with Archie and Summer. It’s the long, lustful looks and build up of anticipation that works in this one. No open door needed.
I’d met Archie and Summer in previous books. Isley recently joined Boldwood Books publishing and many of her previous self-published books are being reedited, renamed, and republished, including this one, which was originally titled You May Kiss the Bridesmaid. It was part of the First Comes Love series, and it included overlapping characters. I’ve read all but two in the series now, but many out of order. It didn’t really effect my enjoyment, but I did have to refresh my memory on a few characters.
Luckily, I did just read and review The Love Theorem, the book that precedes this one, and I knew of Summer. I knew things had not been going well for her. She’d made some big mistakes that hurt several people, and I was curious to see how that would play out. Isley did a good job making Summer a sympathetic character, explaining how she’d made such a mess of her life. Watching her learn to deal with the fallout was rewarding, as well.
One of the things I enjoy the most about Isley’s books is where she places her characters. She always gives them a meaningful setting that readers can enjoy, too. And I had fun with this group of friends as they’re gathered together for a week for the wedding of Winter, Summer’s twin sister, and Logan, Archie’s best friend. Set at a resort, we spend time with Summer and Archie in yoga class, the spa, a winery, and follow them as they try to be discreet about their current relationship status.
The Love Proposal is just the kind of book I want to read during the long, lazy days of summer. Fun, lighthearted, and romantic!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.
(All quotes are taken from the advance copy and are subject to change in final print.)
My Rating: 3.75 stars
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Levels inspired by The Well-Read Librarian from Sourcebooks
My previous Camilla Isley reviews:
- The Love Theorem
- Falling For Her Best Friend
- Sweet Love and Country Roads (Being re-released soon as Love to Hate You)
- Home for Christmas
- A Christmas Caroline
- Fool Me Twice at Christmas
About the Author
Camilla Isley
Camilla is an engineer who left science behind to enter the whimsical realm of romantic fiction.
She writes contemporary rom-coms. Her characters have big hearts, might be a little stubborn at times, and love to banter with each other. Every story she pens has a guaranteed HEA that will make your heart beat faster. Unless you’re a vampire, of course.
Camilla is a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She’s a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveler, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn’t want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.
A Song For A Book
Falling in love with each other takes Summer and Archie by surprise and I’ve chosen to highlight “This Is How You Fall in Love” by Jeremy Zucker and Chelsea Cutler, which I think captures that new-found love feeling.
Sun in my eyes, navy-blue skies
You are the reason I can survive
We’ll turn off the phones to just be alone
We’ll draw the curtains and never leave home
I had a nightmare (oh)
But now that I’m not scared
This is how you fall in love
Let go and I’ll hold you up
So pull me tight and close your eyes
Oh, my love, side to side…
Have you read The Love Proposal? Or did you add it to your tbr? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Wandering!
Seems like a big trend right now. Big pubs picking up previously indie books due to the authors doing well on TikTok. Summer’s twin sister is Winter? Nice job, parents. I have not read anything by Isley, but this sounds like a lot of fun to me
It does seem to be a big trend right now! It was a cute book, but I’d say start with Opposites Attract or one of her holiday books. 🙂
I love the sound of this one! 😀
It was fun!
It drives me nuts that publishers are reprinting indie romances like they’re new right now. I wish the trend would go away. That being said, I’m glad you enjoyed this one for the most part.
It does seem to be everywhere. I am excited for some authors who are finally getting more attention. But then I do have selfish thoughts like, “If they become too popular, I won’t get approved for their ARCs anymore.” 🤦♀️😃
I hear you on that. I just try to think of it then as I will either borrow from the library or buy to support my favorites.