Review: The Proposal by Katie Ashley

Posted January 20, 2013 by Michelle in Book Reviews / 3 Comments

 Title:  2940016080338_p0_v1_s260x420The Proposal
Author:  Katie Ashley
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Rating:  5 out of 5 Stars

“It’s the love that goes through the hardest trials and survives that’s worth having.”

Okay, let’s face it, we all have book boyfriends.  It’s fun.  It’s safe.  But it’s something common that all of us women bond over and talk and swoon about.  Kellan Kyle has been my one consistent book boyfriend (with a few runner ups).  Well, that was until Aidan Fitzgerald came into my life.

I was first introduced to Aidan when I read The Proposition back in October.  Whew, I was so glad The Proposal came out in January close to its originally planned published date.   The night that I finished reading The Proposal I was already having Aidan withdrawals, and I kept thinking, “Why can’t he be real?”  And I was sad too knowing that most of Aidan and Emma’s story had been told, although they will be appearing in a companion novel.  That my friends, tells you what a fantastic writer Katie Ashley is as she has written a real, relatable character who has truly captured my heart and the hearts of so many other women.

The Proposal in short is about Aidan’s redemption for “screwing up!”  What was he honestly thinking when he decided to go home with another woman at the end of The Proposition besides the fact that he was scared and wanted to push Emma away?   Aidan was “absolutely broken by the ghosts of the past and present,” and he had a different way of dealing with those ghosts.

I did promise my late mother I would one day have children.  But it was also about being able to find redemption with myself…and with God.  I thought if I could help you bring a baby into the world, it might take away the hurt of the past.”

Unfortunately, Emma has endured quite a bit of stress lately, which lands in her the hospital with pre-term contractions.  She is placed on two weeks of bed rest.  Although Casey adamantly protests, Aidan gladly offers to take Emma home and take care of her during that time.

Let’s face it.  Considering I’m the only one out of the three of us who has a vagina and knows what Em would want, you’re going to need me.”

This is where Aidan’s redemption definitely comes into play, and we see a completely different side of him.  He is sweet, caring, attentive, and trying to become the man Emma wants him to be.  (But Emma soon reminds him that she fell in love with the “old” Aidan.)  You will also see another side of Emma, not the strong, confident woman that you saw in The Proposition.  Why?  Well, she’s pregnant and her hormones are going crazy!  One minute she’s crying, the next minute she’s not, she can’t decide what she wants.  I could definitely relate to those fluctuating hormones as well as the self-doubt.

I’m glad having Noah is a way you feel you can repent for what you did.  It’s never too late for redemption, Aidan.”

Don’t ever think Noah’s in the way. He will always be the string that ties us together. He’s our love growing inside you. He may not be the reason why I fell in love with you, but he’s the reason why I got another chance at life. You saved me, Emma.”

Of course, we do have a little “drama” when we enter Dr. Alpesh Nadeen into the story who is quite attracted to the beautiful Emma.  I am not going to post any spoilers about his role in their relationship or his relationship with Emma.  I love that once again the family, friends, as well as Beau, are involved throughout much of the book.  Family is very important to me so this is definitely a plus!    And, of course, I can’t forget to mention the use of a few old and new words:  douchnozzle, twatwaffle, and douchcanoe, just to name a few.

The banter between Em and Aidan is priceless, the love scenes tender, and the sex scenes on fire so get your extinguishers ready.  The story comes full circle and once again proves that love always prevails.

If I don’t clean my plate, are you going to spank me, Mommy?
No, but I will force feed you myself like the damn petulant toddler you insist on acting like.”

You’re the sexiest, most beautiful pregnant woman I’ve ever seen.
Aw, baby, you’re so sweet. But you don’t have to keep complimenting me because you’re so getting laid tonight.”

Once again, Katie Ashley, you have done a fantastic job in making me fall in love with the characters all over again, and even more so this time!

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3 responses to “Review: The Proposal by Katie Ashley

    • Michelle

      Thank you, Lauren. I can’t wait for you to dive into your copy! I love that Aiden isn’t that typical hero found in so many books. He’s different. He’s wholesome, and he has learned from his mistakes. 🙂

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