The Proposal is a contemporary romance and the first book in the Brewer Family series by Adriana Locke (3/5 stars)

The Proposal is a contemporary romance and the first book in the Brewer Family series by Adriana Locke.

Renn and Blakely have had chemistry for years, but never acted upon it since Renn is Blakely’s older brother’s best friend and rugby teammate. However, after waking up the day after celebrating her 30th birthday in Vegas, they realize they got married.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators, John Lane and Avery Caris, do a great job. They especially did a great job making all of the individual characters feel distinct in their vocal tendencies and speech patterns.

This was the first book I’ve ever read from this author, and I don’t think it will be my last even though I was a little underwhelmed overall. There were a ton of tropes that initially pulled me in, including the fact that the MMC is a rugby player. However, rugby didn’t really have a major part in the story; it was kind of in the periphery.

I enjoyed their chemistry and much of the banter between the two of them. They were pretty insta-lusty, which doesn’t always work for me. I had a few moments where I felt taken out of the story a bit, but they didn’t happen very often. There are a good number of steamy scenes sprinkled throughout the book. Some of the dialogue didn’t really work for me in a few of those scenes.

Another thing I struggled with was the family drama centered around Renn’s father. There were small hints throughout that he wasn’t a great guy, but when it all came to a head he felt a bit too much like a mustache-twirling villain for my liking. That, and the entire issue was wrapped up in a bow very quickly.

Tropes in this book include: brother’s best friend, sports romance (rugby), Vegas wedding, marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, fake dating

CW: light violence (not between MCs), verbal abuse (not between MCs)

I received a complimentary review copy from the author and Hambright PR. All opinions contained herein are my own.

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