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SWANK #1
The Proposal
When I envisioned Zara Logan dropping to her knees in front of me, this wasn’t what I had in mind...
I was expecting a lot less glaring and a lot more moaning.
Instead, she's proposing an enticing deal that I can't bear to walk away from.
To land one of the city’s biggest clients, she wants us to put our differences aside and play fake fiancés for the next thirty days.
So, I slip the diamond ring onto her finger and agree to play the perfect fiancé. How hard can this be?
A hell of a lot harder than I thought...
She’s infuriatingly stubborn and she thinks I’m a cocky jerk with an enormous ego. (She’s right, but I can definitely back it up...)
As our long days stretch into even later nights, it’s getting harder to remember we’re only playing pretend, which means one thing.
She won’t be faking it for long…
I was expecting a lot less glaring and a lot more moaning.
Instead, she's proposing an enticing deal that I can't bear to walk away from.
To land one of the city’s biggest clients, she wants us to put our differences aside and play fake fiancés for the next thirty days.
So, I slip the diamond ring onto her finger and agree to play the perfect fiancé. How hard can this be?
A hell of a lot harder than I thought...
She’s infuriatingly stubborn and she thinks I’m a cocky jerk with an enormous ego. (She’s right, but I can definitely back it up...)
As our long days stretch into even later nights, it’s getting harder to remember we’re only playing pretend, which means one thing.
She won’t be faking it for long…
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2020
About the author
Maya Hughes
38 books6,248 followersMaya Hughes is an Amazon Top 20 author of swoon worthy, laugh out loud, and emotional new adult and contemporary romances.
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July 16, 2020
RATING 4.5 STARS
The Proposal is book one in the brand new series, SWANK, by Maya Hughes! What a great introduction this was to these new characters. Not only do we get the two main characters, Leo and Zara, we get to know Leo’s other four friends who we will individually meet in future books. I have to admit, I already have my eyes on one of these men in particular, hoping that his book might be sooner rather than later!!!
Leo Wilder lived his entire life with one goal in mind, to play pro football. His dream came true and he became defensive lineman for LA Storm. But his career was cut short after only four years with an injury. Now Leo is floundering a bit, trying to figure out who he is without football.
Zara Logan (I love the name Zara btw,) is an assistant event planner for Easton Events. This woman has so much on her shoulders. Her job is a nightmare but she works long hours because she needs the money. She’ll do whatever it takes to survive.
Zara and Leo’s first meeting was not a pleasant one. So it was a shock to the both of them when later the very same day, they find themselves facing each other in an office. Zara and Leo will be forced to work together over the next month, Zara to earn the bonus the job provides and to prove to her boss she is ready to be a full fledged event planner. Leo to save his Uncle’s failing business. One more surprise, that they will have to fake being engaged over the next month. No problem, right?!
“Working with Leo showed me maybe there was another way. Maybe I could trust someone else. Maybe I could trust him.”
Zara had no one on her side. She hadn’t let herself make friends, let no one in. She had learned the hard way that she couldn’t count on anyone but herself. But as time went on, she slowly started to weaken her resolve towards Leo. And their fake relationship made her start to wonder what it would be like if it were real.
I fell for both of these two. But Leo really did win my heart. This man! I really loved the relationships between he and his friends. They were there for each other, no matter what! I loved how he was with Zara. And I loved how he just dove in to the event planning business, having no idea what he was doing.
This was a fun, sexy book with characters that stole my heart. Book two will be called The Sweetest Thing, and I can’t wait to see whose book it will be!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
The Proposal is book one in the brand new series, SWANK, by Maya Hughes! What a great introduction this was to these new characters. Not only do we get the two main characters, Leo and Zara, we get to know Leo’s other four friends who we will individually meet in future books. I have to admit, I already have my eyes on one of these men in particular, hoping that his book might be sooner rather than later!!!
Leo Wilder lived his entire life with one goal in mind, to play pro football. His dream came true and he became defensive lineman for LA Storm. But his career was cut short after only four years with an injury. Now Leo is floundering a bit, trying to figure out who he is without football.
Zara Logan (I love the name Zara btw,) is an assistant event planner for Easton Events. This woman has so much on her shoulders. Her job is a nightmare but she works long hours because she needs the money. She’ll do whatever it takes to survive.
Zara and Leo’s first meeting was not a pleasant one. So it was a shock to the both of them when later the very same day, they find themselves facing each other in an office. Zara and Leo will be forced to work together over the next month, Zara to earn the bonus the job provides and to prove to her boss she is ready to be a full fledged event planner. Leo to save his Uncle’s failing business. One more surprise, that they will have to fake being engaged over the next month. No problem, right?!
“Working with Leo showed me maybe there was another way. Maybe I could trust someone else. Maybe I could trust him.”
Zara had no one on her side. She hadn’t let herself make friends, let no one in. She had learned the hard way that she couldn’t count on anyone but herself. But as time went on, she slowly started to weaken her resolve towards Leo. And their fake relationship made her start to wonder what it would be like if it were real.
I fell for both of these two. But Leo really did win my heart. This man! I really loved the relationships between he and his friends. They were there for each other, no matter what! I loved how he was with Zara. And I loved how he just dove in to the event planning business, having no idea what he was doing.
This was a fun, sexy book with characters that stole my heart. Book two will be called The Sweetest Thing, and I can’t wait to see whose book it will be!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
July 21, 2020
DNF @ 34%
I'm trying to read this book for 10 days now and I can't get past 34%. The best thing out of this book so far is the heroine's name (Zara). Zara and what was his name again *scrambles to look at the blurb* ehm Leo's story is boring me to tears.
Some of my GR friends were complaining about Maya Hughes writing style and I've never had any problems with it, but with this book, I can finally see it. I can't really explain what it is, but it makes it so hard to get into the story.
This book had the potential to be great (enemies-to-lovers, office romance, fake-dating & tight knitted group of friends), but failed to deliver.
I'm trying to read this book for 10 days now and I can't get past 34%. The best thing out of this book so far is the heroine's name (Zara). Zara and what was his name again *scrambles to look at the blurb* ehm Leo's story is boring me to tears.
Some of my GR friends were complaining about Maya Hughes writing style and I've never had any problems with it, but with this book, I can finally see it. I can't really explain what it is, but it makes it so hard to get into the story.
This book had the potential to be great (enemies-to-lovers, office romance, fake-dating & tight knitted group of friends), but failed to deliver.
July 17, 2020
3.5 STARS
This was so stinking cute! I was super excited to learn that Maya Hughes has a brand new series coming out. And when I read that blurb? DEAD. I needed this book. I'm a sucker for a good enemies to lovers romance with a splash of fake engagement thrown in.
Zara is the definition of sassy. She is barely scraping by in a job that she hates. With deadbeat parents, she's used to being the sole support for her little brother. She's been scrimping and saving every penny for his education and support. If it's meant denying herself, then that's what it's been. Zara is an incredibly supportive and loving older sister. This endeared her to me right away. She's also sassy with a fiery temper and a get it done at any cost attitude. She's pretty tough not to like.
The meet cute between her and Leo is anything but smooth. The man bumps her, spills her precious coffee, and tramples her croissant. In a pure accident of course, but it doesn't save him from her temper. The icing on the cake is finding out that they now have to work together. Leo to save his beloved uncle's company and Zara to finally prove herself to her boss. They have one goal, win over a tough client with their proposal. Even if they have to stop snapping at one another long enough to get it done.
As they work on the project together, the chemistry that's been between them begins to burn hotter and hotter, and before they know it, the fake relationship is no longer as fake for them as they thought.
This was such a fun romance! I immediately fell for all of the secondary characters. Leo is an incredibly lovable hero. An injury cost him his pro football career and he's been sort of floundering in the time since. He's not a cocky jerk or a stereotypical jock. He's a nice guy and I was rooting for him from page one to get past Zara's walls. Though she certainly didn't make it easy.
My one quibble with the book was the pacing. I'm not sure if it was the length or maybe some parts that I felt didn't quite add to the story and wished it focused more on the main couple? There was some time spent building out and introducing the other characters and the couple would get a little lost in the background of that at parts. I found myself going in and out of the story. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it because I really did. But I also wasn't riveted to the pages. Did it hook me on the series? Absolutely! I'm dying for the rest of it. Ultimately it was a cute and light hearted read that was perfect to spend the afternoon with.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
Leo was the best distraction I’d ever discovered and I couldn’t wait for another taste. But what happened when we stopped playing pretend?
This was so stinking cute! I was super excited to learn that Maya Hughes has a brand new series coming out. And when I read that blurb? DEAD. I needed this book. I'm a sucker for a good enemies to lovers romance with a splash of fake engagement thrown in.
Zara is the definition of sassy. She is barely scraping by in a job that she hates. With deadbeat parents, she's used to being the sole support for her little brother. She's been scrimping and saving every penny for his education and support. If it's meant denying herself, then that's what it's been. Zara is an incredibly supportive and loving older sister. This endeared her to me right away. She's also sassy with a fiery temper and a get it done at any cost attitude. She's pretty tough not to like.
The meet cute between her and Leo is anything but smooth. The man bumps her, spills her precious coffee, and tramples her croissant. In a pure accident of course, but it doesn't save him from her temper. The icing on the cake is finding out that they now have to work together. Leo to save his beloved uncle's company and Zara to finally prove herself to her boss. They have one goal, win over a tough client with their proposal. Even if they have to stop snapping at one another long enough to get it done.
As they work on the project together, the chemistry that's been between them begins to burn hotter and hotter, and before they know it, the fake relationship is no longer as fake for them as they thought.
This was such a fun romance! I immediately fell for all of the secondary characters. Leo is an incredibly lovable hero. An injury cost him his pro football career and he's been sort of floundering in the time since. He's not a cocky jerk or a stereotypical jock. He's a nice guy and I was rooting for him from page one to get past Zara's walls. Though she certainly didn't make it easy.
My one quibble with the book was the pacing. I'm not sure if it was the length or maybe some parts that I felt didn't quite add to the story and wished it focused more on the main couple? There was some time spent building out and introducing the other characters and the couple would get a little lost in the background of that at parts. I found myself going in and out of the story. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it because I really did. But I also wasn't riveted to the pages. Did it hook me on the series? Absolutely! I'm dying for the rest of it. Ultimately it was a cute and light hearted read that was perfect to spend the afternoon with.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
July 17, 2020
4 It's Only The Start Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free-It's LIVE!
When Maya Hughes decided to create a series about five men who had intricate ties, she had to figure out how to weave them into the first entry yet not have them intrude. How to tease the readers into wanting to know why each man had their own quirks, why the dynamic between some of the men was the way it was, and still have a full-blown singular romance story for the first chosen guy.
Yup, that's a handful, Ms. Maya did all of it. With The Proposal The Proposal (SWANK, #1), she hit the trifecta of creating. She gave us a complete story, multi-layered, teased with interest for the other fellas, and lots of heart.
This entry begins with the cute/not cute meet of Zara and Leo.
Zara has her hands full, no literally, she has her hands full.It is her Monday free coffee/croissant day. Zara has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Her parents are useless. Zara has a wonderful younger brother she has taken all of the responsibility for...paying his way so he can go to a performance boarding school. He is extremely talented and she will do whatever is necessary to provide for him. This causes her to pinch pennies until they scream and figure out "Hacks" so she is able to have one perfect cup of coffee and chocolate croissant once a week for free. It is her one time to feel like a regular person.
Zara works for an event planning company as an assistant. Her immediate boss is the spoiled obnoxious daughter of the owner. Her main focus is to make Zara's life miserable rather than doing her job. The only highlight for Zara at work is her bestie, the Wonderwoman of IT. She looks out for Zara, takes no crap from the company, and always has Zara's back.
Leo has his own issues. He was a pro football player who has had his career ended by an injury. This has caused Leo to feel lost. From the moment he had a football put into his little hands during that first PeeWee game until his time on the SuperBowl field, football was his life. No college to give him a Plan B. No huge career where people would come in droves to his car dealership if he had one. Nope, the only thing that might fit is to be a color commentator for the sport if ESPN will have him.
The one thing Leo did when he got his football advance and contract was to make sure he would have money when it was all over. He knew of too many past players who ended up strapped because they didn't protect what they had. Leo knew his family was takers... and to make sure he would have something when it was all over, he locked up his money in a trust.
That was smart but also put him in a really difficult position. He only got a specific amount every quarter. This limited what he could do and tied his hands when he wanted to help his one uncle he loved. The uncle and his partner own an event planning company and when things became difficult for them due to the uncle having cancer, it killed Leo he couldn't help. Now the partner is in real trouble and Leo has decided to work for him for free while he figures out what the hell to do with his life.
So It Is Zara's Monday.
She is in a hurry, attempting to get to the office before the wicked witch starts up with her while carrying her precious coffee/croissant, and dealing with some emails on her phone. BAM, she is hit by a mountain of a man with the slow motion of her special coffee spilling all over her blouse and the croissant falling to the ground.
Leo is stunned by the crash into this beautiful woman and he is about to say sorry, etc. when the accusations coming from those lush lips take him back. Zara is saying he should have been looking where he was going, he then banters back she should have not had her head in the phone. The collision ends with not nice things being said and they part.
Zara has more trauma in the office from her bit@h boss and is off to meet with another event company to partner on a huge project. This project could pay her the necessary bucks she needs to help her brother. A lot is on the line for Zara so she is hoping to make things happen.
Well, after Zara meets the owner, he is letting Zara know she will be working with his new planner. In comes the planner, and yes, you guessed it, Leo.
Naturally, this is not a situation made in heaven. These two knock heads more than the most superstitious person alive. Zara is motivated to make this perfect with the need of her paycheck and possible bonus. Leo needs to make this happen so his uncle's company can stay open. Together they work to put together their presentation to the client.
I share all of this because it is important to understand the motivation they have when an assumption happens during their pitch. It causes a fib of engagement and that is where all of this takes off.
The Proposal has so many layers to this tale. Zara and Leo go through serious arcs. Leo's is more straight forward. He is a what you see is what you get kind of guy and I would like to get a Leo any day. He does have some real issues and they are exposed during his interactions with his crew. His stripping of long-held assumptions was important and he was man enough to see his mistakes. He also was so caring with Zara. He had a huge mountain to climb with her but when he decided to do it, he was willing to proceed.
Zara was much more of a challenge for me and for Leo. She had numerous past experiences that colored how she saw things and reenforced her inability to trust. She is not touchy-feely for the reader causing moments of frustration. In the end, though, she ends up opening up and being the person she wanted to be all along thanks to Leo.
As to our other fellas...Oh Boy. Maya has teased us well. There is going to be future angst, bickering, and all sorts of fun. She has already given us placeholders for the next books. Don't worry, they will be coming shortly.
The Proposal (SWANK, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Sweetest Thing (SWANK, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Engagement (SWANK, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Wedding Playbook (SWANK, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Spoiler Free-It's LIVE!
When Maya Hughes decided to create a series about five men who had intricate ties, she had to figure out how to weave them into the first entry yet not have them intrude. How to tease the readers into wanting to know why each man had their own quirks, why the dynamic between some of the men was the way it was, and still have a full-blown singular romance story for the first chosen guy.
Yup, that's a handful, Ms. Maya did all of it. With The Proposal The Proposal (SWANK, #1), she hit the trifecta of creating. She gave us a complete story, multi-layered, teased with interest for the other fellas, and lots of heart.
This entry begins with the cute/not cute meet of Zara and Leo.
Zara has her hands full, no literally, she has her hands full.It is her Monday free coffee/croissant day. Zara has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Her parents are useless. Zara has a wonderful younger brother she has taken all of the responsibility for...paying his way so he can go to a performance boarding school. He is extremely talented and she will do whatever is necessary to provide for him. This causes her to pinch pennies until they scream and figure out "Hacks" so she is able to have one perfect cup of coffee and chocolate croissant once a week for free. It is her one time to feel like a regular person.
Zara works for an event planning company as an assistant. Her immediate boss is the spoiled obnoxious daughter of the owner. Her main focus is to make Zara's life miserable rather than doing her job. The only highlight for Zara at work is her bestie, the Wonderwoman of IT. She looks out for Zara, takes no crap from the company, and always has Zara's back.
Leo has his own issues. He was a pro football player who has had his career ended by an injury. This has caused Leo to feel lost. From the moment he had a football put into his little hands during that first PeeWee game until his time on the SuperBowl field, football was his life. No college to give him a Plan B. No huge career where people would come in droves to his car dealership if he had one. Nope, the only thing that might fit is to be a color commentator for the sport if ESPN will have him.
The one thing Leo did when he got his football advance and contract was to make sure he would have money when it was all over. He knew of too many past players who ended up strapped because they didn't protect what they had. Leo knew his family was takers... and to make sure he would have something when it was all over, he locked up his money in a trust.
That was smart but also put him in a really difficult position. He only got a specific amount every quarter. This limited what he could do and tied his hands when he wanted to help his one uncle he loved. The uncle and his partner own an event planning company and when things became difficult for them due to the uncle having cancer, it killed Leo he couldn't help. Now the partner is in real trouble and Leo has decided to work for him for free while he figures out what the hell to do with his life.
So It Is Zara's Monday.
She is in a hurry, attempting to get to the office before the wicked witch starts up with her while carrying her precious coffee/croissant, and dealing with some emails on her phone. BAM, she is hit by a mountain of a man with the slow motion of her special coffee spilling all over her blouse and the croissant falling to the ground.
Leo is stunned by the crash into this beautiful woman and he is about to say sorry, etc. when the accusations coming from those lush lips take him back. Zara is saying he should have been looking where he was going, he then banters back she should have not had her head in the phone. The collision ends with not nice things being said and they part.
Zara has more trauma in the office from her bit@h boss and is off to meet with another event company to partner on a huge project. This project could pay her the necessary bucks she needs to help her brother. A lot is on the line for Zara so she is hoping to make things happen.
Well, after Zara meets the owner, he is letting Zara know she will be working with his new planner. In comes the planner, and yes, you guessed it, Leo.
Naturally, this is not a situation made in heaven. These two knock heads more than the most superstitious person alive. Zara is motivated to make this perfect with the need of her paycheck and possible bonus. Leo needs to make this happen so his uncle's company can stay open. Together they work to put together their presentation to the client.
I share all of this because it is important to understand the motivation they have when an assumption happens during their pitch. It causes a fib of engagement and that is where all of this takes off.
The Proposal has so many layers to this tale. Zara and Leo go through serious arcs. Leo's is more straight forward. He is a what you see is what you get kind of guy and I would like to get a Leo any day. He does have some real issues and they are exposed during his interactions with his crew. His stripping of long-held assumptions was important and he was man enough to see his mistakes. He also was so caring with Zara. He had a huge mountain to climb with her but when he decided to do it, he was willing to proceed.
Zara was much more of a challenge for me and for Leo. She had numerous past experiences that colored how she saw things and reenforced her inability to trust. She is not touchy-feely for the reader causing moments of frustration. In the end, though, she ends up opening up and being the person she wanted to be all along thanks to Leo.
As to our other fellas...Oh Boy. Maya has teased us well. There is going to be future angst, bickering, and all sorts of fun. She has already given us placeholders for the next books. Don't worry, they will be coming shortly.
The Proposal (SWANK, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Sweetest Thing (SWANK, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Engagement (SWANK, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Wedding Playbook (SWANK, #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
July 13, 2020
Maya Hughes made me laugh and swoon and die from the intense and epic feels in The Proposal. This story is witty and funny. This story is sexy and flirty. This story filled my heart with every kind of feel good emotions with right touch of angst.
Zara and Leo started on literally hot and wrong foot. Zara's life is a story of constant struggle as she works hard in an unappreciated job and save every last penny for her brother's education. Leo's dream career as a professional football player came to end suddenly after a life threatening injury and now he needs something to live by. May be his uncle's almost bankrupt event Management company?A series of infuriating and maddening incidents force them to work together as the big hotel chain has given the contract to both of them. And both of them needs the next jobs for themselves. They didn't plan to become fake fiancèe though. Enemies..competitor..reluctant friends..lovers..and then losers? We have a very interesting road ahead.
The beginning of the story made me a bit impatient as Zara seemed to be having a never ending flow of misfortunes! And I just wanted the girl to have a break. That's how much I loved her from the beginning! She is just awesome. Hard working. Resilient. Never quits a challenge and incredibly smart. Hiding her helplessness and vulnerability behind her badass attitude. Leo is exact opposite of her. While Zara is obsessive and anxious and nit picky about work, Leo wants to do something fun and spontaneous and out of the box for their events. He has his own share of anger and pain and darkness. But his positivity and charm and sinful sweetness is irresistible. Their chemistry was a fun and steamy interplay of hate and love. They drove each other crazy but they are a perfect team! The entertaining yet intense story line kept me one hundred percent engaged. The author put perfect amount of tension and heartbreak in their story to squeeze my heart painfully but I was amazed by the happily ever after! Also I cannot wait to read about Leo's friends!
The Proposal by Maya Hughes made me laugh like crazy. The brilliant writing invaded my heart and soul. A perfect romance to make you feel happy in the best way possible.
Received ARC for honest review
Zara and Leo started on literally hot and wrong foot. Zara's life is a story of constant struggle as she works hard in an unappreciated job and save every last penny for her brother's education. Leo's dream career as a professional football player came to end suddenly after a life threatening injury and now he needs something to live by. May be his uncle's almost bankrupt event Management company?A series of infuriating and maddening incidents force them to work together as the big hotel chain has given the contract to both of them. And both of them needs the next jobs for themselves. They didn't plan to become fake fiancèe though. Enemies..competitor..reluctant friends..lovers..and then losers? We have a very interesting road ahead.
The beginning of the story made me a bit impatient as Zara seemed to be having a never ending flow of misfortunes! And I just wanted the girl to have a break. That's how much I loved her from the beginning! She is just awesome. Hard working. Resilient. Never quits a challenge and incredibly smart. Hiding her helplessness and vulnerability behind her badass attitude. Leo is exact opposite of her. While Zara is obsessive and anxious and nit picky about work, Leo wants to do something fun and spontaneous and out of the box for their events. He has his own share of anger and pain and darkness. But his positivity and charm and sinful sweetness is irresistible. Their chemistry was a fun and steamy interplay of hate and love. They drove each other crazy but they are a perfect team! The entertaining yet intense story line kept me one hundred percent engaged. The author put perfect amount of tension and heartbreak in their story to squeeze my heart painfully but I was amazed by the happily ever after! Also I cannot wait to read about Leo's friends!
The Proposal by Maya Hughes made me laugh like crazy. The brilliant writing invaded my heart and soul. A perfect romance to make you feel happy in the best way possible.
Received ARC for honest review
July 12, 2020
I received this free eARC novel from the author. This is my honest review.
Leo and Zara are amazing characters!
Zara is such a strong person and she's very selfless. She is doing everything in her power to give her brother, Tyler, the best education, and also keeping him away from their drunk parents. Some siblings wouldn't care, but that is Zara's sole mission in life. She even gave up her dream to be stuck in a terrible job that kinda pays the bills. I seriously love her!
Leo has gone through a lot, from living and working his dream of a professionally football player, to having to retire early and have no idea what to do with his life. But he is such a sweetheart because he decided to help his uncle try to save their company. Even though he is by no means an event planner.
Seeing these two flash and fight each other about small things like linens was great. The tension was high and the attraction was of the charts. The reason they got "fake engaged" was not something I expected, so I appreciated the uniqueness of this novel and the events that happened.
Their slow burn romance didn't annoy me like most of these stories do because there was a lot of interaction, a lot of getting to know each other happened that filled the romance void. And they were always arguing over something which to me was suspenseful and foreplay.
I also loved all of the side characters. I'm excited to see each of Leos friends (Jameson, Everest, Hunter, and August) get their own story. Jameson is the one I'm looking forward to the most! And Andi... I really hope she ends up with one of them because I love her sassiness and take no prisoners attitude!
I'm so so so glad I got to read this novel and I CANNOT wait to see what else is in store for these characters!
Leo and Zara are amazing characters!
Zara is such a strong person and she's very selfless. She is doing everything in her power to give her brother, Tyler, the best education, and also keeping him away from their drunk parents. Some siblings wouldn't care, but that is Zara's sole mission in life. She even gave up her dream to be stuck in a terrible job that kinda pays the bills. I seriously love her!
Leo has gone through a lot, from living and working his dream of a professionally football player, to having to retire early and have no idea what to do with his life. But he is such a sweetheart because he decided to help his uncle try to save their company. Even though he is by no means an event planner.
Seeing these two flash and fight each other about small things like linens was great. The tension was high and the attraction was of the charts. The reason they got "fake engaged" was not something I expected, so I appreciated the uniqueness of this novel and the events that happened.
Their slow burn romance didn't annoy me like most of these stories do because there was a lot of interaction, a lot of getting to know each other happened that filled the romance void. And they were always arguing over something which to me was suspenseful and foreplay.
I also loved all of the side characters. I'm excited to see each of Leos friends (Jameson, Everest, Hunter, and August) get their own story. Jameson is the one I'm looking forward to the most! And Andi... I really hope she ends up with one of them because I love her sassiness and take no prisoners attitude!
I'm so so so glad I got to read this novel and I CANNOT wait to see what else is in store for these characters!
July 16, 2020
I love a good romance with a twist and The Proposal definitely had lots of yummy twists filled with hilarious moments and I couldn’t read it fast enough!
Zara and Leo started off on the WAY WRONG FOOT! Hate is an understatement of how they feel for one another but both have a lot on the line and they need to figure out some middle ground and fast or everything they have worked hard for will crumble!
I loved the uniqueness of the story! Leo isn’t your ordinary hero! He is a mess of a man who is trying to save too many things at once! His saving grace? The men by his side! These are the men that I can’t wait to learn more of and my gosh I love the start of this series!
Zara is a dedicated woman who is working her butt off for what she wants! Having to work with leo is either going to break her completely or be the key to everything she needs!
Maya never ceases to amaze me with her creative, and unique plots as well as her amazing characters! The Proposal is just the beginning of something amazing and I can’t wait for what is coming next!
Zara and Leo started off on the WAY WRONG FOOT! Hate is an understatement of how they feel for one another but both have a lot on the line and they need to figure out some middle ground and fast or everything they have worked hard for will crumble!
I loved the uniqueness of the story! Leo isn’t your ordinary hero! He is a mess of a man who is trying to save too many things at once! His saving grace? The men by his side! These are the men that I can’t wait to learn more of and my gosh I love the start of this series!
Zara is a dedicated woman who is working her butt off for what she wants! Having to work with leo is either going to break her completely or be the key to everything she needs!
Maya never ceases to amaze me with her creative, and unique plots as well as her amazing characters! The Proposal is just the beginning of something amazing and I can’t wait for what is coming next!
September 28, 2020
A fiesty, selfless heroine.
An arrogant, still finding himself hero.
A pretend engagement.
What could go wrong?
Even better- what could go right?
A slow burn, witty banter, and a great cast of new characters to fall in love with.
An awesome start to a new series that Maya's readers are already begging for.
An arrogant, still finding himself hero.
A pretend engagement.
What could go wrong?
Even better- what could go right?
A slow burn, witty banter, and a great cast of new characters to fall in love with.
An awesome start to a new series that Maya's readers are already begging for.
July 14, 2020
Another Maya Hughes hit and the beginnings of another wonderful series to grab ahold of and look forward to.
Zara Logan is an extremely hard worker, but never seems to get the breaks to get ahead. Working at an event planner company where she is taken advantage of, but she needs her job to not only pay her bills, but the expensive tuition for her brothers school, Zara barely has time to sleep at night before she's back in the office for another day of work.
When she's given an opportunity to plan her own event, well...co-plan an event with a rival event planning company she takes the opportunity knowing the bonus will swing all of her bills and then some, unfortunately she didn't know she'd have to work with the infuriating man who squashed her breakfast and spilled her coffee that very morning.
Leo Wilder may be a washed up NFL player, but at least he still had his health. At least that is what he still tells himself everyday. The injury that ended his career could have been so much worse and he knows that, but he has no idea what to do with the rest of his life. After stopping by to visit his uncle and hearing that his event planning business needs help, Leo offers his services since he seriously has nothing better to do, how hard could planning events be?
Leo may rethink his offer of help when the spitfire who ran into him that very morning, causing a chain reaction of spilling coffee down her blouse and stepping on her croissant walks through the door.
Leo and Zara get off on shaky ground, but through their combined and even fresh eyes in the industry, pull off a great event, but that wasn't what caught the eye of the contract. It was the fact that they appeared as a couple and a misunderstanding surrounding one engagement ring. (How is that possible, it's cute and will totally make sense) To pull off the rest of the deal they have to continue to be "engaged" and considering how they originally met this will take a monumental feat.
However, the longer they spend time together and the more their walls come down, the more they might actually like one another and the less faking they may have to actually do. Actually, it might be harder to walk away when everything is all said and done.
This is just the beginning of a new series and you get insight into how this new series SWANK will continue from here. I don't want to give away what direction Maya is planning yet, but I'm really excited for what direction she is taking this series. It's new and nothing like she's done yet and I really think you'll like where she's taking this one.
Zara Logan is an extremely hard worker, but never seems to get the breaks to get ahead. Working at an event planner company where she is taken advantage of, but she needs her job to not only pay her bills, but the expensive tuition for her brothers school, Zara barely has time to sleep at night before she's back in the office for another day of work.
When she's given an opportunity to plan her own event, well...co-plan an event with a rival event planning company she takes the opportunity knowing the bonus will swing all of her bills and then some, unfortunately she didn't know she'd have to work with the infuriating man who squashed her breakfast and spilled her coffee that very morning.
Leo Wilder may be a washed up NFL player, but at least he still had his health. At least that is what he still tells himself everyday. The injury that ended his career could have been so much worse and he knows that, but he has no idea what to do with the rest of his life. After stopping by to visit his uncle and hearing that his event planning business needs help, Leo offers his services since he seriously has nothing better to do, how hard could planning events be?
Leo may rethink his offer of help when the spitfire who ran into him that very morning, causing a chain reaction of spilling coffee down her blouse and stepping on her croissant walks through the door.
Leo and Zara get off on shaky ground, but through their combined and even fresh eyes in the industry, pull off a great event, but that wasn't what caught the eye of the contract. It was the fact that they appeared as a couple and a misunderstanding surrounding one engagement ring. (How is that possible, it's cute and will totally make sense) To pull off the rest of the deal they have to continue to be "engaged" and considering how they originally met this will take a monumental feat.
However, the longer they spend time together and the more their walls come down, the more they might actually like one another and the less faking they may have to actually do. Actually, it might be harder to walk away when everything is all said and done.
This is just the beginning of a new series and you get insight into how this new series SWANK will continue from here. I don't want to give away what direction Maya is planning yet, but I'm really excited for what direction she is taking this series. It's new and nothing like she's done yet and I really think you'll like where she's taking this one.
July 16, 2020
The Proposal is book one in Maya’s new SWANK series. This book follows Zara and Leo as they are forced to work together and then forced to play fake fiancée. I instantly liked Zara, because we learn that she’s a bit all over the place, but it’s because she is one of the most giving and selfless book humans ever. She has a lot on her plate and I just love that she has someone to carry at least one burden with her, during this story.
Leo took a bit longer to invest in, but Maya always finds a way to give a seemingly sports minded man a depth beyond that. He’s trying to help out his uncle, because he feels he failed to in the past, and he’s sort of just floating after recovery from an extreme injury.
These two meet with a bang and some heat (Lmao) and end pretty much the same way, but more along the lines you’re probably imagining. You will meet some characters that I assume will lead the other books in the series, and trust you’ll already be wondering more about them. All in all this is a great enemies, to frenemies, to friends, to lovers, forced proximity and fake fiancé read. Come get your tropes, and get them served HOT!
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
Leo took a bit longer to invest in, but Maya always finds a way to give a seemingly sports minded man a depth beyond that. He’s trying to help out his uncle, because he feels he failed to in the past, and he’s sort of just floating after recovery from an extreme injury.
These two meet with a bang and some heat (Lmao) and end pretty much the same way, but more along the lines you’re probably imagining. You will meet some characters that I assume will lead the other books in the series, and trust you’ll already be wondering more about them. All in all this is a great enemies, to frenemies, to friends, to lovers, forced proximity and fake fiancé read. Come get your tropes, and get them served HOT!
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
July 16, 2020
3.5 Stars
Good start to the series, and I'm in love with the cover! You cannot go wrong with Maya Hughes. Her characters are always so entertaining and she writes the best banter with the best humor. My favorite scenes are actually all the scenes with the hero and his group of friends and I'm SO excited for their books, especially Everest and Jamison. I really enjoyed watching their group dynamic and how each of their quirks played out. So I'm definitely anticipating the day we get more of them and also finding out the secret behind Milwaukee.
The hero, Leo, was honestly amazing too. He was one of those genuinely good guys (my new fave heros). He was always doing things for people with no expectations in getting anything back, and I hate how he wasn't always appreciated for what he does. He got the short stick sometimes, and I really felt for him and understood him more.
The heroine on the other hand, I have a love/hate relationship with. I love how she had ambition and was doing all she could to support her brother. On another hand, she was definitely too hardheaded and untrusting and I hate how she was so quick to turn on Leo without getting all the facts, which is another reason why I felt like Leo got less than he deserved. He was always doing stuff for her, and she would be grateful for a bit, but was always so quick to question him. It really made it hard for me to connect to the heroine because of how aggressive and kind of mean she can be at times. I wish we had more scenes of her and Tyler so I can sympathize with her more.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I'm really looking forward to the next books in this series and how everything will play out with the SWANK business and some of their secrets and pasts we only got vague details about. Can't wait!
Good start to the series, and I'm in love with the cover! You cannot go wrong with Maya Hughes. Her characters are always so entertaining and she writes the best banter with the best humor. My favorite scenes are actually all the scenes with the hero and his group of friends and I'm SO excited for their books, especially Everest and Jamison. I really enjoyed watching their group dynamic and how each of their quirks played out. So I'm definitely anticipating the day we get more of them and also finding out the secret behind Milwaukee.
The hero, Leo, was honestly amazing too. He was one of those genuinely good guys (my new fave heros). He was always doing things for people with no expectations in getting anything back, and I hate how he wasn't always appreciated for what he does. He got the short stick sometimes, and I really felt for him and understood him more.
The heroine on the other hand, I have a love/hate relationship with. I love how she had ambition and was doing all she could to support her brother. On another hand, she was definitely too hardheaded and untrusting and I hate how she was so quick to turn on Leo without getting all the facts, which is another reason why I felt like Leo got less than he deserved. He was always doing stuff for her, and she would be grateful for a bit, but was always so quick to question him. It really made it hard for me to connect to the heroine because of how aggressive and kind of mean she can be at times. I wish we had more scenes of her and Tyler so I can sympathize with her more.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I'm really looking forward to the next books in this series and how everything will play out with the SWANK business and some of their secrets and pasts we only got vague details about. Can't wait!
July 16, 2020
The author whet my appetite with the first book in this new series and I am so excited for more!!! This was a sizzling, steamy, enemies to lovers, office romance with a sexy hero you will be crushing on. Throw in a little fake fiance drama and you have the perfect combination for off the charts sexual tension. And we were given a great introduction to all the characters we’ll be meeting in the future and I am in love!!!
Zara is struggling to put her brother through private school. She is a hard worker, she just needs her big break. Finally, after years of promising, her boss gives her the opportunity to work with a big client. Now it's up to her to plan an event they won't forget. The only catch is she has to work with a rival firm to get the job done.
Leo is no longer an NFL superstar. He's trying to find his place now that his dream job is over. In an effort to help out his uncle, he takes on the job to assist in planning an event for Winthrope Hotels. It could just be the thing he needs to save his uncle's flailing business.
Zara and Leo are immediately at odds. Two totally different visions that will need to come together to make it work. During their pitch to get hired for the job, Zara grasps at straws when she feels they are about to lose the job and they end up "engaged". Now they just have to keep the charade going until the event is over and they sign a long term contract with the hotel chain.
Queue the humor and off the charts sexual tension. Zara and Leo are going to make magic if they can just get past her need to control everything and his laid back attitude. Compromise and trust will be their key to success.
Zara and Leo were wonderful characters. They both had their own story to tell. Leo is starting over and trying to find his passion. Zara has put her dream on hold because she's working on making all her bother's dreams a reality. The author delved into their pasts, as well as gave us the emotion and struggle that comes with a young woman doing it all on her own. You'll also get some sweet moments because Leo can bring the swoon when he puts his mind to it. He may not have thought he was boyfriend material, but he knocked it out of the park.
This was a great start to a new series. The SWANK men are intriguing and I cannot wait to get to know them all. The author laid the foundation for the rest of their story's and I am excited for what she brings us next.
Zara is struggling to put her brother through private school. She is a hard worker, she just needs her big break. Finally, after years of promising, her boss gives her the opportunity to work with a big client. Now it's up to her to plan an event they won't forget. The only catch is she has to work with a rival firm to get the job done.
Leo is no longer an NFL superstar. He's trying to find his place now that his dream job is over. In an effort to help out his uncle, he takes on the job to assist in planning an event for Winthrope Hotels. It could just be the thing he needs to save his uncle's flailing business.
Zara and Leo are immediately at odds. Two totally different visions that will need to come together to make it work. During their pitch to get hired for the job, Zara grasps at straws when she feels they are about to lose the job and they end up "engaged". Now they just have to keep the charade going until the event is over and they sign a long term contract with the hotel chain.
Queue the humor and off the charts sexual tension. Zara and Leo are going to make magic if they can just get past her need to control everything and his laid back attitude. Compromise and trust will be their key to success.
Zara and Leo were wonderful characters. They both had their own story to tell. Leo is starting over and trying to find his passion. Zara has put her dream on hold because she's working on making all her bother's dreams a reality. The author delved into their pasts, as well as gave us the emotion and struggle that comes with a young woman doing it all on her own. You'll also get some sweet moments because Leo can bring the swoon when he puts his mind to it. He may not have thought he was boyfriend material, but he knocked it out of the park.
This was a great start to a new series. The SWANK men are intriguing and I cannot wait to get to know them all. The author laid the foundation for the rest of their story's and I am excited for what she brings us next.
July 16, 2020
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
The Proposal is book one of Maya Hughes new series, SWANK. The book follows Leo and Zara, two completely opposite people, as they have to work together to plan an event but both with their own agenda's. Zara needs to bonus money she'd receive to pay for her brother's private school while Leo wants to make sure his Uncle's company stays open and doesn't go bankrupt. Having everything to lose means they'd do anything to win over the company that they'd be planning for, even if it means a fake engagement.
I was honestly a little iffy in the beginning of this book because I'm not a huge fan of when the MC's have to work together and kind of compete against each other. But that wasn't the direction this book went in and instead Leo and Zara worked well together even as the butted heads and had complete opposite idea's. It led to a lot of humorous moments too and I'm pretty sure I didn't stop smiling the entire time I was reading from the middle of the book to the end.
Overall, it was very fun to read about this couple trying to work together and it had me rooting for them to finally give in to all of the chemistry that was practically exploding between them. We're also introduced to Leo's friends that I'm sure will be getting stories and I'm dying for them all.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
The Proposal is book one of Maya Hughes new series, SWANK. The book follows Leo and Zara, two completely opposite people, as they have to work together to plan an event but both with their own agenda's. Zara needs to bonus money she'd receive to pay for her brother's private school while Leo wants to make sure his Uncle's company stays open and doesn't go bankrupt. Having everything to lose means they'd do anything to win over the company that they'd be planning for, even if it means a fake engagement.
I was honestly a little iffy in the beginning of this book because I'm not a huge fan of when the MC's have to work together and kind of compete against each other. But that wasn't the direction this book went in and instead Leo and Zara worked well together even as the butted heads and had complete opposite idea's. It led to a lot of humorous moments too and I'm pretty sure I didn't stop smiling the entire time I was reading from the middle of the book to the end.
Overall, it was very fun to read about this couple trying to work together and it had me rooting for them to finally give in to all of the chemistry that was practically exploding between them. We're also introduced to Leo's friends that I'm sure will be getting stories and I'm dying for them all.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2020
I got past the third mark waiting to attach. So far, nothing is forthcoming.
For Zara (love that name!), her background is desperate, but her desperation is making her weak. She puts up with crap treatment and puts in long hours for less than zero appreciation and for a salary that doesn't seem standard. The cause is noble enough (keeping her little brother in a situation that protects him from their abusive parents), but that's not making it better. She's supposedly smart and organized and dedicated. She can do better. That she isn't doing better doesn't evoke my sympathy, it evokes exasperation. The author's explanation for why she hasn't done better is weak, at best, and yet it is the entire reason she puts up with all the crap in her life. And the author has piled on the crap.
Leo is just a huge jerk. He's all "poor me" because his career ended with an injury and he put all his money out of his own reach (for reasons that at this point, are still obscured). So he has to do this thing so that his favorite uncle-in-law can keep his business after his partner died (bonus pathos for being gay—does it count if you kill of a gay in the pre-story?). Only, he's all farting around with suggestions that couldn't lean harder into "bro" if he pulled directly from the intersection of frat house and surfer. Also, did I mention that he's a jerk? Every other interaction with Zara has been antagonistic and at least twice it was bad enough he actually tells a friend that he should apologize. And yeah, if he were a decent guy he would. Spoiler: he doesn't.
So Zara is pathetic and desperate and Leo is selfish and arrogant. Why am I reading this, again? Oh, right. I'm not...
For Zara (love that name!), her background is desperate, but her desperation is making her weak. She puts up with crap treatment and puts in long hours for less than zero appreciation and for a salary that doesn't seem standard. The cause is noble enough (keeping her little brother in a situation that protects him from their abusive parents), but that's not making it better. She's supposedly smart and organized and dedicated. She can do better. That she isn't doing better doesn't evoke my sympathy, it evokes exasperation. The author's explanation for why she hasn't done better is weak, at best, and yet it is the entire reason she puts up with all the crap in her life. And the author has piled on the crap.
Leo is just a huge jerk. He's all "poor me" because his career ended with an injury and he put all his money out of his own reach (for reasons that at this point, are still obscured). So he has to do this thing so that his favorite uncle-in-law can keep his business after his partner died (bonus pathos for being gay—does it count if you kill of a gay in the pre-story?). Only, he's all farting around with suggestions that couldn't lean harder into "bro" if he pulled directly from the intersection of frat house and surfer. Also, did I mention that he's a jerk? Every other interaction with Zara has been antagonistic and at least twice it was bad enough he actually tells a friend that he should apologize. And yeah, if he were a decent guy he would. Spoiler: he doesn't.
So Zara is pathetic and desperate and Leo is selfish and arrogant. Why am I reading this, again? Oh, right. I'm not...
December 23, 2020
I thought this book was absolutely adorable, and I am so excited to relive all of the relationships every time a new book comes out. I am definitely eager to read the stories of the other boys. Looking at this book by itself, the characters were really sweet and the premise is always something I love. It was light and cute and a great book for the holiday time when you just want to curl up with something cute. I am not sure if there is much else to say, but I'll be looking forward to the next one.
And I'm out.
And I'm out.
July 23, 2020
I have been both excited and anxious about getting my hands on this book. I adore Maya Hughes Fulton U and Kings of Rittenhouse books but whenever an author moves even a little out of the genre's I love them for I get nervous. Plus I want more of the things I know I love, cause I'm greedy like that.
And to be honest it took me a bit to get into this book. But I think that's more me trying to read with a demanding three year old hovering. Because both characters were awesome. Zara was so self sufficient and had worked so hard for everything she had and deserved so much more.
I loved her grit and determination so much. At times she got in her own way but I understood why and couldn't blame her. But seriously, Leo. That man pretty much had me from the start. He loved so hard and wanted to make everything easy for everyone he cared for. I adored him so much and he was perfect for Zara.
Naturally the rest of the SWANK guys were great, in their own unique ways. And I am dying to see how each of their stories play out. I really enjoyed the story and the teasers to all the guys has my clicky finger all twitchy.
And to be honest it took me a bit to get into this book. But I think that's more me trying to read with a demanding three year old hovering. Because both characters were awesome. Zara was so self sufficient and had worked so hard for everything she had and deserved so much more.
I loved her grit and determination so much. At times she got in her own way but I understood why and couldn't blame her. But seriously, Leo. That man pretty much had me from the start. He loved so hard and wanted to make everything easy for everyone he cared for. I adored him so much and he was perfect for Zara.
Naturally the rest of the SWANK guys were great, in their own unique ways. And I am dying to see how each of their stories play out. I really enjoyed the story and the teasers to all the guys has my clicky finger all twitchy.
July 16, 2020
"All I needed to do was win the job of one of the most historic hotels in the city, win them over to Easton Events while screwing over Simply Stark, and collect my check. Piece of cake, right?"
And so you would think. But Leo nor Zara are going to make this event easy on the other to get through. Until working closely has them getting much more work-intensive on a personal level.
What worked for me:
Besides the chemistry that went to smoldering grass fire to 5 alarm hot, it was the quirky and humorous personalities of these characters. Zara is a ball buster - for good reasons. She is the girl we are/have been trying to hold all twenty-five balls in the air with two hands. But in her core, it is family that is what drives this woman and you can't help but want her to win it all. Leo is reinventing himself. Everything went 'poof' in an unexpected injury. Are his goals what he wants them to be? Leo sees Zara and wants to give her and his uncle the lives they deserve. *sigh*
The banter between the characters and secondary characters is off the charts funny but never ever taxing. Maya Hughes gives you a laugh but shows the soft underbelly at just the right times for the reader to fall in love with this new world she has us visit.
I am a sucker for this trope and Maya brings her own spin on it to make the story engaging, entertaining and a definite re-read for me!
BRING ON HUNTER!
Recommendation: Buy It
July 16, 2020
“Leo was the best distraction I’d ever discovered and I couldn’t wait for another taste. But what happened when we stopped playing pretend?”
The Proposal introduces Maya Hughes’ new series SWANK. To secure a big client, Zara Logan and Leo Wilder have to work together and pretend to be engaged for thirty days.
This book was very adorable and funny and felt like the perfect rom com. I enjoyed it a lot because you instantly get into the story and can’t stop reading it! I also really liked the relationship between Zara and Leo, they made me smile so much and it was great to witness how their relationship evolved throughout the story. As in the other Maya Hughes' series, you meet a new group of friends that you can't help but like.
Zara is having financial problems and absolutely needs that job opportunity with Leo to work for her to pay for her brother’s private school. She is obstinate and very focused on her professional life and will not let Leo ruin what they planned for the big client they managed to interest. Leo is an ex-NFL player and is willing to help save his uncle’s company and work alongside Zara. He is not really interested in being an event planner, but thinks his professional football career offered him some event planning skills. Zara and Leo are starting as slight enemies/rivals, but acting like an engaged couple and working together will quickly make their relationship grow and it will be impossible for them to hide the feelings they have for each other.
A new series also means a new group of friends! We are introduced to Leo’s closest friends, Jameson, August, Hunter and Everest and they are an important part of the book. I love how Maya Hughes always includes found family aspects and groups of friends in her books. I think it’s what I like the most in her work because it’s always done so well and you instantly get attached to each one of them.
What I also liked a lot:
- Zara’s relationship with her brother Tyler, she would literally do anything for him
- Leo’s career shift and him wanting to help his family
- The importance of family for both characters, they both want to boost their career, but also help their loved ones
In conclusion, The Proposal was a very good start to this new series, the main and secondary characters are very likeable, interesting and you instantly want to know more about them. I liked the ending a lot and I can’t wait to see what’s next for the SWANK guys, especially Hunter and Everest who caught my attention so bad, I already love them and know their books are going to be my favorites!
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
July 16, 2020
— 𝟑.𝟒𝟓/𝟓
If you already didn’t know, i’m a sucker for the found family trope and a group of friends who are 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐬, but together they are so very wholesome.
One of the best things about Maya Hughes’ books is the way she creates her characters and especially the way she creates the relationship between those characters whether it’s platonic or romantic, and for me the platonic friendships are always the most special.
Though i found the plot to be a bit slow for my liking, the characters Zara Logan and Leo Wilder were entertaining and they gave us a soft and cute romance. Also, to be the first book of the series, there’s pressure because either it is going to capture the attention of the readers or it’s not, but in this case i do believe that The Proposal does capture the attention of the audience and makes the reader interested in the stories of the other characters. I absolutely loved the side characters, the way Leo and his friends delivered comedy and a pure bond with one another, I adored each one of those scenes. I cannot wait to get to know more about each one of them in their own books.
P.S. i’m really interested in two of those friends from that same group— yes, i’m looking right at H & E, two completely different people, but that’s how i like my range.
𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.
If you already didn’t know, i’m a sucker for the found family trope and a group of friends who are 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐬, but together they are so very wholesome.
One of the best things about Maya Hughes’ books is the way she creates her characters and especially the way she creates the relationship between those characters whether it’s platonic or romantic, and for me the platonic friendships are always the most special.
Though i found the plot to be a bit slow for my liking, the characters Zara Logan and Leo Wilder were entertaining and they gave us a soft and cute romance. Also, to be the first book of the series, there’s pressure because either it is going to capture the attention of the readers or it’s not, but in this case i do believe that The Proposal does capture the attention of the audience and makes the reader interested in the stories of the other characters. I absolutely loved the side characters, the way Leo and his friends delivered comedy and a pure bond with one another, I adored each one of those scenes. I cannot wait to get to know more about each one of them in their own books.
P.S. i’m really interested in two of those friends from that same group— yes, i’m looking right at H & E, two completely different people, but that’s how i like my range.
𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.
October 15, 2020
- 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂����𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒏 𝒉��𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
• 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤: ★★★★.5
• 𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑠: enemies to lovers, office romance and fake fiancé.
Maya Hughes decided to create a new series focused on five men who are friends and each one comes from a different world and carries their own problems. For this friendship to happen we need a good dynamic between these men, and obviously, Maya was able to give us right at the beginning of The Proposal. Not only do we meet the protagonists of the first book, Leo and Zara, we also meet Leo's other friends who will win books in the future. And I must say that I'm already looking at some (H & E 👀)
So, let's go to the story ....
Zara has a lot on her back, she works as an event assistant at Easton Events, a job where her boss makes her life hell but she really needs the money. She carries a heavy load of caring and erasing a boarding school for her talented and smart little brother since his parents are clearly useless.
Leo, has his own problems, has spent his whole life wanting only one thing, to be a football player. That was his goal. But, unfortunately, he stopped being an NFL superstar, just four years later due to an injury. With the intention of helping his uncle without his business, and with no plan B after his injury, he accepts a job to plan an event for Winthrope Hotels and is exactly what he needs to help his uncle failing business.
Obviously, as in a good romance, the two are having a good first date and thus, protagonists will end up being forced to work together for the next month. Zara will do anything to get the job and prove to her boss that she deserves to be an event planner to receive the bonus that the job will give her. And Leo will do anything to get the money and save his uncle business. And one more surprise, why not get engaged until the end and conclusion of the event?
“𝑳𝒆𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑰’𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅.”
This book was a great start for the series. Both protagonists are fun, funny and strong (I can say that Zara isn’t my fav female characters this place belong to Seph). Anyway, they make us laugh when we least expect them to be sexy and have an incredible sexual tension throughout the book, the chemistry between them burns, they are the true definition of RomCom and even though I have a type of slow burn among them, it was worth the wait. Both Leo and Zara, have their problems that they try to hide but throughout the book their weaknesses are shown in a delicate and beautiful way. I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing this series grow even more.
• 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤: ★★★★.5
• 𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑠: enemies to lovers, office romance and fake fiancé.
Maya Hughes decided to create a new series focused on five men who are friends and each one comes from a different world and carries their own problems. For this friendship to happen we need a good dynamic between these men, and obviously, Maya was able to give us right at the beginning of The Proposal. Not only do we meet the protagonists of the first book, Leo and Zara, we also meet Leo's other friends who will win books in the future. And I must say that I'm already looking at some (H & E 👀)
So, let's go to the story ....
Zara has a lot on her back, she works as an event assistant at Easton Events, a job where her boss makes her life hell but she really needs the money. She carries a heavy load of caring and erasing a boarding school for her talented and smart little brother since his parents are clearly useless.
Leo, has his own problems, has spent his whole life wanting only one thing, to be a football player. That was his goal. But, unfortunately, he stopped being an NFL superstar, just four years later due to an injury. With the intention of helping his uncle without his business, and with no plan B after his injury, he accepts a job to plan an event for Winthrope Hotels and is exactly what he needs to help his uncle failing business.
Obviously, as in a good romance, the two are having a good first date and thus, protagonists will end up being forced to work together for the next month. Zara will do anything to get the job and prove to her boss that she deserves to be an event planner to receive the bonus that the job will give her. And Leo will do anything to get the money and save his uncle business. And one more surprise, why not get engaged until the end and conclusion of the event?
“𝑳𝒆𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑰’𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅.”
This book was a great start for the series. Both protagonists are fun, funny and strong (I can say that Zara isn’t my fav female characters this place belong to Seph). Anyway, they make us laugh when we least expect them to be sexy and have an incredible sexual tension throughout the book, the chemistry between them burns, they are the true definition of RomCom and even though I have a type of slow burn among them, it was worth the wait. Both Leo and Zara, have their problems that they try to hide but throughout the book their weaknesses are shown in a delicate and beautiful way. I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing this series grow even more.
July 16, 2020
She did it again! Maya Hughes is back with a new group of friends with stories to tell and I can't wait for it!
After an explosive coffee related encounter, Leo Wilder is the last person Zara Logan wants to see, he already ruined her morning after all. But little does she know the new task that awaits her at work and the partner that brings with it... These two stubborn people need to put their differences aside to land an important client, and the easiest way they found to do it? A fake engagement, but how long until the line between pretending and feeling becomes blurred?
Zara Logan is barely holding everything together. Working long hours on something she doesn't like, she needs the money to keep her little brother and herself afloat, so this new job means everything to her. Leo Wilder is not an event planner but the guilt he feels led him to volunteer on this job to help a family member. He didn't know he would have to work alongside a controlling and stubborn Zara, but after a while and a lot of bickering and banter, he finds himself increasingly comfortable in her presence... These two served a really sweet and cute relationship. I DO believe that it took them a while to build the relationship but it was fun to see in between how they went from deadly glances, to secretly looking at each other, to a full heart-eyes emoji.
Now the romantic aspect was fine, but what kept me hooked most of the time was the friendships. I really like the found family trope and this served in both ends. First of all Zara, a reserved person with trust issues (well founded if you ask me), who dropped her walls to find love and friendship. And then Leo, who already came with a group of friends up his sleeve. This isn't unusual in Maya Hughes' books but this particular group of friends has a different energy, there's an odd dynamic between them that I can't wait to figure out.
That being said, I can't wait for the next books and you don't know how sad it makes me that the next one will come out in 2021! That last chapter promises a lot of fun moments between a certain grumpy player and a sunshine roomie. Then there's a possible second chance romance? And what about that wedding planner who wants nothing to do with them? there are a lot of things that I'm looking forward to here 👀
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
"Where Zara's concerned, nothing is ever easy, but that didn't mean I'd give up without a fight."
After an explosive coffee related encounter, Leo Wilder is the last person Zara Logan wants to see, he already ruined her morning after all. But little does she know the new task that awaits her at work and the partner that brings with it... These two stubborn people need to put their differences aside to land an important client, and the easiest way they found to do it? A fake engagement, but how long until the line between pretending and feeling becomes blurred?
Zara Logan is barely holding everything together. Working long hours on something she doesn't like, she needs the money to keep her little brother and herself afloat, so this new job means everything to her. Leo Wilder is not an event planner but the guilt he feels led him to volunteer on this job to help a family member. He didn't know he would have to work alongside a controlling and stubborn Zara, but after a while and a lot of bickering and banter, he finds himself increasingly comfortable in her presence... These two served a really sweet and cute relationship. I DO believe that it took them a while to build the relationship but it was fun to see in between how they went from deadly glances, to secretly looking at each other, to a full heart-eyes emoji.
Now the romantic aspect was fine, but what kept me hooked most of the time was the friendships. I really like the found family trope and this served in both ends. First of all Zara, a reserved person with trust issues (well founded if you ask me), who dropped her walls to find love and friendship. And then Leo, who already came with a group of friends up his sleeve. This isn't unusual in Maya Hughes' books but this particular group of friends has a different energy, there's an odd dynamic between them that I can't wait to figure out.
That being said, I can't wait for the next books and you don't know how sad it makes me that the next one will come out in 2021! That last chapter promises a lot of fun moments between a certain grumpy player and a sunshine roomie. Then there's a possible second chance romance? And what about that wedding planner who wants nothing to do with them? there are a lot of things that I'm looking forward to here 👀
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
July 18, 2020
Great start to the series, such interesting secondary characters I cannot wait to get all of their stories!
THE PROPOSAL has Zara's day starting off on the wrong foot with a hike in her brothers tuition, a run-in with a wall of sheer cockiness, some spilled coffee, and a crushed croissant unfortunately Zara's day doesn't get any better from there.
Leo left his NFL career do to an injury and is now trying to figure out what to do next with his life so when his Uncle needs help he steps in, really what can go wrong when an NFL player becomes an event planner in hopes to save his uncles company?!?
Read the rest of my review along with an excerpt here: https://bit.ly/NBReviewTP
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books** I ALSO PURCHASED A COPY
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
THE PROPOSAL has Zara's day starting off on the wrong foot with a hike in her brothers tuition, a run-in with a wall of sheer cockiness, some spilled coffee, and a crushed croissant unfortunately Zara's day doesn't get any better from there.
Leo left his NFL career do to an injury and is now trying to figure out what to do next with his life so when his Uncle needs help he steps in, really what can go wrong when an NFL player becomes an event planner in hopes to save his uncles company?!?
Read the rest of my review along with an excerpt here: https://bit.ly/NBReviewTP
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books** I ALSO PURCHASED A COPYYou can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
February 10, 2021
Leo was ok, but Zara annoyed me way to much.
July 16, 2020
** 4.5 SWANKY Stars **
This book took me by surprise with its swoony hero, broken heroine, and secondary characters that will leave you wanting more from this series! Zara & Leo's story is a true RomCom that will have you laughing one moment, and caught up in the emotions of this hero and heroine in the next. Both characters have their own demons that they try to hide from the other to no avail. Their banter is laugh out loud funny, their push and pull is addictive, and their chemistry is ON FIRE!! This is one slow-burn that was worth every page of teasing and built up sexual tension.
I absolutely swooned over Leo and fell head over heels for him and his determination to win Zara's trust and love. His character is a big reason why I loved this book so much. He is not the typical "jock" hero and his desire to prove his worth to his dad is heartbreaking at times. His group of friends become another main character in themselves....and I can see where this series is going with them and I AM HERE FOR IT! I loved every one of them and their unique personalities and quirks. They took me right back to my group of guy friends from my 20's and I loved how real their friendships were.
I will admit that Zara is not my favorite heroine of M Hughes. She's broken, bitter, and allows no one in. But as her story unfolds, you will come to understand and empathize with her. She has not lived an easy life; and there are parts of her that I actually see in myself...her perpetual drive to succeed and take care of those she loves before herself. When she allows herself to be vulnerable with Leo and her few friends, it is a relief and that is when she made me smile. There is the capability in her to laugh and love and live life to the fullest - I just wish we saw a few more of those moments with her. She is a reminder to me that life is short - don't rush through the days to simply check off a to-do list; but LIVE your life!!
This story will have you laughing, sighing and swooning, and wanting more from this new cast of characters. It's refreshing and relatable, and I can't wait for what's to come next! Well done once again M Hughes!!
This book took me by surprise with its swoony hero, broken heroine, and secondary characters that will leave you wanting more from this series! Zara & Leo's story is a true RomCom that will have you laughing one moment, and caught up in the emotions of this hero and heroine in the next. Both characters have their own demons that they try to hide from the other to no avail. Their banter is laugh out loud funny, their push and pull is addictive, and their chemistry is ON FIRE!! This is one slow-burn that was worth every page of teasing and built up sexual tension.
I absolutely swooned over Leo and fell head over heels for him and his determination to win Zara's trust and love. His character is a big reason why I loved this book so much. He is not the typical "jock" hero and his desire to prove his worth to his dad is heartbreaking at times. His group of friends become another main character in themselves....and I can see where this series is going with them and I AM HERE FOR IT! I loved every one of them and their unique personalities and quirks. They took me right back to my group of guy friends from my 20's and I loved how real their friendships were.
I will admit that Zara is not my favorite heroine of M Hughes. She's broken, bitter, and allows no one in. But as her story unfolds, you will come to understand and empathize with her. She has not lived an easy life; and there are parts of her that I actually see in myself...her perpetual drive to succeed and take care of those she loves before herself. When she allows herself to be vulnerable with Leo and her few friends, it is a relief and that is when she made me smile. There is the capability in her to laugh and love and live life to the fullest - I just wish we saw a few more of those moments with her. She is a reminder to me that life is short - don't rush through the days to simply check off a to-do list; but LIVE your life!!
This story will have you laughing, sighing and swooning, and wanting more from this new cast of characters. It's refreshing and relatable, and I can't wait for what's to come next! Well done once again M Hughes!!
July 16, 2020
Leo was the best distraction I’d ever discovered and I couldn’t wait for another taste. But what happened when we stopped playing pretend?
The proposal is the first book from SWANK, the new contemporary series from Maya Hughes, this is a little different from the books I’ve previously read from her, but in her usual style, this was sweet and cute.
In the proposal, Zara and Leo team up for some event planning jobs, which leads them to stage a fake engagement.
After a, kinda disastrous, meet Zara and Leo have to work together, and even having their own differences in the end they make a great duo.
- Zara; I really liked her, she’s so hardworking and despite the problems that may come her way, she never gives up and fights for herself and her little brother.
- Leo; after his career seems over he’s trying to figure out what he wants and who he wants to be.
I really like their relationship and how this develops, even though they meet in a weird and unconventional way as they get to know each other this obviously starts to change too.
The side characters seem really interesting too so I can’t wait for their books, especially Hunter, he’s definitely the one who really caught my attention
Overall, I really like the story, Zara and Leo are such a fun and sexy pair so if you like an office romance, fake fiancé, and kinda enemies to lovers to should give this one a chance.
*ARC provided in exchange of an honest review*
August 25, 2022
I absolutely adore Maya Hughes' romcoms so when she announced a brand new series about a group of friends event planning I was so excited to read it and it didn't disappoint me.
The proposal is an enemies to lovers-fake fiancé office romance, the story is about Zara who works for a company which she hates and Leo a retired football player who decided to help his family and started to work with them.
so these two have to work together and well they end up in a fake engagement I won't say more because I don't want to spoil the book, but it's so freaking hilarious, their banter is the best, also something that surprised me is that this was kind of a slow burn which I adored.
As always with Maya's books the group of friends is the best part 😭 these guys are all amazing and I love their banter and personalities, I can't wait for hunter's book after that ending 👀
Overall this was sweet, funny, and quick read with two amazing main characters, a good plot and a great group of side characters that I cant wait to know more about.
The proposal is an enemies to lovers-fake fiancé office romance, the story is about Zara who works for a company which she hates and Leo a retired football player who decided to help his family and started to work with them.
so these two have to work together and well they end up in a fake engagement I won't say more because I don't want to spoil the book, but it's so freaking hilarious, their banter is the best, also something that surprised me is that this was kind of a slow burn which I adored.
As always with Maya's books the group of friends is the best part 😭 these guys are all amazing and I love their banter and personalities, I can't wait for hunter's book after that ending 👀
Overall this was sweet, funny, and quick read with two amazing main characters, a good plot and a great group of side characters that I cant wait to know more about.
July 16, 2020
The Proposal is the first book in Maya Hughes’ new series, SWANK, featuring a set of five male friends since college. It features Zara Logan, an event planner, and Leo Wilder, a retired pro-football player navigating a new career path after he was injured. They had so much in common, yet it took them awhile to realize each other’s positive traits.
Their first meeting was anything but joyous. A total disaster in the making with harsh words said, and a crumbled chocolate croissant left under his shoe.
I could totally relate to Zara! Responsible for raising her bright, musically gifted younger brother, and a penny pincher to boot. I am ten years older than my sister, and after our mom died, I couldn’t help but hover. Then after my divorce and being a single mom of three, I totally did all that I could to save even one dollar. I totally admire and respect Zara for her choices, which often left her unfulfilled, underpaid, and unappreciated at work. And this is when our hero steps in...
It doesn’t take Leo long to realize, that workaholic Zara, who is normally grumpy and opinionated, has a softer side. She’s uptight and relentless, and finds it hard to trust others as no one has really taken care of her in the past. Leo is green in the event planning business, working for a competitor (his uncle’s business), vs. the family owned awful company that she works for, and the two of them partner up and become fake engaged to win a big account.
After working so closely, they slowly begin to trust and depend on one another. I love how humble he was about his football career and that he wasn’t the millionaire star of the team. Leo was just so loveable–big and broody with such a giant generous heart. He was so thoughtful, asking for nothing in return, often showing her how he cared with swoony kind gestures. I would love to keep Leo for myself!
I loved how they both valued family, even though his dad’s true colors were hurtful and selfish, and her parents were neglectful. I loved how they interacted and all of the tension and witty banter. And I loved their first kiss and romp in the woods! So steamy!
I loved Zara’s friend and neighbor, and hope she appears in future books. A big part of this story is Leo’s relationship with his friends who are always there for each other. It ends with them forming a business partnership, SWANK which is the first letter from each of their last names, so stay tuned as more adventures are in store for this crazy gang. The next book is the Sweetest Thing and is already on my TBR.
Please feel free to follow my reviews and follow me on my facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ReadMeRomance/
Their first meeting was anything but joyous. A total disaster in the making with harsh words said, and a crumbled chocolate croissant left under his shoe.
I could totally relate to Zara! Responsible for raising her bright, musically gifted younger brother, and a penny pincher to boot. I am ten years older than my sister, and after our mom died, I couldn’t help but hover. Then after my divorce and being a single mom of three, I totally did all that I could to save even one dollar. I totally admire and respect Zara for her choices, which often left her unfulfilled, underpaid, and unappreciated at work. And this is when our hero steps in...
It doesn’t take Leo long to realize, that workaholic Zara, who is normally grumpy and opinionated, has a softer side. She’s uptight and relentless, and finds it hard to trust others as no one has really taken care of her in the past. Leo is green in the event planning business, working for a competitor (his uncle’s business), vs. the family owned awful company that she works for, and the two of them partner up and become fake engaged to win a big account.
After working so closely, they slowly begin to trust and depend on one another. I love how humble he was about his football career and that he wasn’t the millionaire star of the team. Leo was just so loveable–big and broody with such a giant generous heart. He was so thoughtful, asking for nothing in return, often showing her how he cared with swoony kind gestures. I would love to keep Leo for myself!
I loved how they both valued family, even though his dad’s true colors were hurtful and selfish, and her parents were neglectful. I loved how they interacted and all of the tension and witty banter. And I loved their first kiss and romp in the woods! So steamy!
I loved Zara’s friend and neighbor, and hope she appears in future books. A big part of this story is Leo’s relationship with his friends who are always there for each other. It ends with them forming a business partnership, SWANK which is the first letter from each of their last names, so stay tuned as more adventures are in store for this crazy gang. The next book is the Sweetest Thing and is already on my TBR.
Please feel free to follow my reviews and follow me on my facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ReadMeRomance/
July 25, 2020
I. Love. Leo!!!
What a sexy hunk of man. And so caring! He’s thoughtful and kind and protective...without even realizing he’s doing all those awesome swoony-guy things! And THAT is what makes him even more attractive.
I love fake engagement stories so I couldn’t wait to dive into this one. It started as enemies-to-lovers (also a favorite of mine), and the tension and banter and snark between Leo & Zara was highly amusing.
So many laugh out loud moments, and plenty of steamy parts had me flipping those pages fast.
Although Zara was a likable character, there were times when I didn’t care for the way she treated Leo. Because I adored Leo, and felt a bit protective of his heart. Because he’s a beautiful, wonderful man. But in the end, it all worked out, and I was a happy reader again.
And let’s not forget Leo’s friends. Oh my goodness! I am so intrigued by all of them. I think Everest might be the one I’m interested in most. But Hunter, that guy is fun. And his story is going to be so entertaining, I can just feel it.
**There were a couple of spots where errors confused me, and I had to go back and reread again, but that did not take away my enjoyment of this story. Because Leo is awesome. Did I mention that yet?
What a sexy hunk of man. And so caring! He’s thoughtful and kind and protective...without even realizing he’s doing all those awesome swoony-guy things! And THAT is what makes him even more attractive.
I love fake engagement stories so I couldn’t wait to dive into this one. It started as enemies-to-lovers (also a favorite of mine), and the tension and banter and snark between Leo & Zara was highly amusing.
So many laugh out loud moments, and plenty of steamy parts had me flipping those pages fast.
Although Zara was a likable character, there were times when I didn’t care for the way she treated Leo. Because I adored Leo, and felt a bit protective of his heart. Because he’s a beautiful, wonderful man. But in the end, it all worked out, and I was a happy reader again.
And let’s not forget Leo’s friends. Oh my goodness! I am so intrigued by all of them. I think Everest might be the one I’m interested in most. But Hunter, that guy is fun. And his story is going to be so entertaining, I can just feel it.
**There were a couple of spots where errors confused me, and I had to go back and reread again, but that did not take away my enjoyment of this story. Because Leo is awesome. Did I mention that yet?
July 23, 2020
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this one! Being the first book in a new series, there was a lot of set-up (introduction of characters and such) and at times, it felt like too much information and took me away from the story. It was a cute story with characters that I'm interested enough in to read more in the series.
I enjoyed this one! Being the first book in a new series, there was a lot of set-up (introduction of characters and such) and at times, it felt like too much information and took me away from the story. It was a cute story with characters that I'm interested enough in to read more in the series.
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