Watch out world — I’m ready to date again. The seven years I invested in my ex left me with nothing but scorch marks from the way he peeled out and left me at the altar. I’m not looking to put my heart into a relationship any time soon. But getting back out there? That sounds like a helluva good idea to get my groove back.Then I bump into Chris….Clever and funny, with a sexy surfer’s bod and a … sexy surfer’s bod and a brilliant nerd brain, he has just the right screwdriver to fix my hard drive. (Yes, the one for my computer.) I wouldn’t mind dating him. The trouble is he just proposed to me—to be the new dating guru on his TV show—and now he’s my new business partner.
What happens when you meet the right person at the wrong time?
Note: Back in the day, I wrote a book called TROPHY HUSBAND, and though it’s no longer available for sale, the characters of Chris and McKenna seemed to demand another chance in the spotlight. THE DATING PROPOSAL is a complete reimagining of their romance, with 85 percent brand-new material, a fresh plot, and vastly expanded characterizations so you can come to know and love Chris and McKenna like I do. Enjoy!
more
I can always count on Lauren Blakely to deliver fun, flirty, unique stories. The Dating Proposal is a new and expanded revamp of her 2013 book Trophy Husband, which I had not had the opportunity to read. Per the author, it’s 85% new material, and per me, it’s fantastic! I loved how quirky both McKenna and Chris were in their own ways. Blakely’s heroines are always girls you instantly want to be friends with, and her heroes always make me swoon. Together, her couples always have witty conversations and smokin’ hot chemistry, and the side characters are always enjoyable too. As always, I finished the book with a smile on my face and excited for her next story.
Fabulous fun!
Wow! This was such a fun book! I really enjoyed watching McKenna and Chris fight their feelings for each other, while throwing fun banter to each other. I was happy to find a main heroine that was fun, strong and smart! This story begins with McKenna having a great anniversary of the breakup of her engagement just before her wedding. She finds a great parking spot, meets a young woman at a diner, learns the young woman is the one with whom her ex-fiancé eloped! And she didn’t feel anything more than slightly uncomfortable when he shows up to meet his wife (said young woman).
This is a wonderful story of moving past old trust and relationship issues. This story is funny, fast to read and sexy! I have no doubt you’ll fall in love with Chris and McKenna as they journey to find their right love!
Thoroughly enjoyed Chris and McKenna’s flirty, sexy romance.
“I’m not used to this feeling, electricity meets longing, and I don’t know what to do with it either.”
Chris McCormick and McKenna Bell both have trust issues that stem from failed relationships. When they meet by chance, one day, there’s a definite spark between them. However, before they can step over the line, they strike up a business partnership. And, Chris’ one hard-and-fast rule is no dating at work. McKenna’s own fears about making her heart vulnerable again keep her toeing the line, although she has no problem with some fun-dating.
“You’re getting under my skin. I can’t stop thinking about you. Can’t stop wanting to see you.”
These two had chemistry in spades – I absolutely adored their sexy repartee and how much they had in common. They were so comfortable and in sync with one another from the get-go, and I loved how they took a chance on love again. Fab read!
McKenna Bell and Chris McCormick start talking in an electronics store; they hit it off famously, but neither is up for a relationship. Both were hurt after relationships ended badly: Chris when he dated a coworker, and McKenna was betrayed by her fiancé. But when Chris gets McKenna on his Webflix show, what will they do with this attraction?
Lauren Blakely is the queen of romcoms! If you like the book description, don’t hesitate for a second because THE DATING PROPOSAL is absolutely delightful! It’s bubbly, light, and so much fun! It has an irresistible meet cute, and the dialogues are brilliant: witty, flirty, and some of the best the author has ever written. There’s a wonderful dog, a mischievous cat, a lovable tween, and lots of friendly interactions between the protagonists and their friends. I also loved the texts Chris and McKenna exchange; they never feel static and they help propel the story along. Chris and McKenna are just so lovable, the angst is kept a minimum but the feel good factor (wink!) is cranked up to eleven. THE DATING PROPOSAL is a perfect beach read, a perfect anytime read when you just want to feel happy!
I first read Trophy Husband a long time ago when I first discovered Lauren Blakely. I DEVOURED her books. Every single one I could download on IBooks was my newest craze. She was the BEST rom com author I’d found – I couldn’t get enough. Fast forward 3 years, Lauren has gifted us with a revamp of Trophy Husband in the form of The Dating Proposal. This book is my drug, Chis and McKenna are my romance crack! Their story is TOP SHELF, I’m totally drunk-in-love!! The Dating Proposal has everything; it’s swoony, sexy, funny, and super unique, as all LB rom-coms are. I fell in love with Chris and McKenna all over again, as I would with every re-read.
This story is a glorious ode to finding your soul mate, to finding the one that your heart sings for. IT IS ABSOLUTE PERFECTION! These two characters, I can’t resist them…their comedic banter, them chemistry that gives me goosebumps, I mean they’re EVERYTHING. They are the couple in the movie that you know INSTANTLY are made for each other. The rest is icing on the cake. And what sweet icing LB whips up. This story is what dreams of romantic comedies are made of!!!
So while I could continue to gush, I would rather sit and absorb all the tingly feels The Dating Proposal gave me. My heart is so full, my smile so big, I just wanna hug everyone. That’s what Lauren Blakely’s writing does to me!! And yes, I highly recommend reading this book – get your feel goods on!!!
I can’t help falling in love with this retold story! Ashley @ Carolina Chic’s Read
Chris and McKenna get their love story told again with a completely different twist. Chris earns McKenna’s heart in this fun, flirty and sexy story! Lauren as always does a super job!
This was such a sweet and fun read!
McKenna and Chris are amazing characters, I loved the build up in their relationship, their friendship, their deep understanding of each other, the jokes and the hilarious banter these two share. I loved reading about them falling for each other, trying to fight those feelings, without them having a clue that they are already there.
McKenna is smart, strong and so much fun! She is determined and kind, a bit sassy too. And Chris? He is irresistible. It’s impossible not to fall in love with his sense of humor and his charm. Together, these two make an excellent couple. They made me laugh, probably shed a tear or too, and they made me swoon real hard.
Sexy, hilarious and swoony.
I’ve yet to read (or listen!) to a Lauren Blakely book and not be entertained. There’s very little angst in this latest release of hers, making for the sort of lighthearted romance that’ll tempt you to curl up with it and want to get to know Chris and McKenna better. Now, I know that this is a re-release of sorts, but Blakely does not that most of the story has been re-imagined and I’ve yet to read a review that states that The Dating Proposal is simply a rehash of Trophy Husband. I loved that Chris and McKenna embraced that side of them that made them quintessentially them without apologies. Their relationship really went from zero to so much more and that they got to know one another at the same time that readers got to know them. The cameo appearances of past characters that I was familiar with was a fun bonus, and I hope we haven’t seen the last of this crew. Five stars for The Dating Proposal!
Chris and McKenna are just everything. This duo is fun, has so much chemistry it shouldn’t be allowed and of course, they have rules about who they date making one another totally off limits. The universe has a fantastic sense of humor though (and so do these characters!) and it will stop at nothing to laugh at their plans to stay apart.
The nostalgic feel of their mutual hobbies, their incredible banter and just the sweet, playfulness around this story was so endearing. A fantastic read!
The Dating Proposal is Lauren’s Blakely’s newest sweet, fun, sexy, and exciting romance. I feel like I can’t say enough about what a fabulous woman and writer Lauren is. Every time I pick up one of her books it becomes my favorite. The hero my new Blakely boy. The leading lady my wishful new best friend. McKenna is over her ex and ready to get back out there. She’s smart, funny, talented and looking to have some fun. She has a few good prospects and then she meets Chris. Sexy, surfer, smart, geeky Chris. Sigh. He’s perfect. They just click and their chemistry is off the charts. Then he makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Come on his show and answer dating questions from his viewers. She can’t say no. This is the perfect thing for her career. But dating Chris can’t happen if they work together. Right? Even if they are magic on-screen and scorching hot off. Well, there’s always a way. Chris has been there before and it didn’t work out. But can he just say no to dating the greatest woman he’s ever met? What happens when they throw caution to the wind and give into their desire for each other? Everything! I can’t even express how much I loved this story! Chris is my #1BlakelyHero. His smile. The hair. His intelligence. The surfing. Oh Lord, the man is pure perfection. I want to be McKenna when I grow up. Her style is flawless, her personality awesome. She’s a good sister, the greatest friend and the answer to everything Chris has ever wanted. And there’s a Kara, so that got me overly excited!! 🙂 Overall, it’s one of my favorite stories of Lauren’s and I’m still thinking about Chris and McKenna weeks later! Mostly Chris ;).
Trophy Husband 2.0. I loved the original story of Chris & McKenna when I read it a few years ago, but Ms. Blakely’s rebooted, reimagined version is just something more. There are more laughs, more emotions, and more of everything I have come to expect from her books.
There is so much more depth to the story and the characters this time around. It was like reading about a whole new couple.
If you love romcoms with witty banter, sexy heroes, fun heroines, and great storylines, then do yourself a favor and pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed.
If you read Trophy Husband (which isn’t for sale any longer) then you already know Chris and McKenna. This is their revamped and revised story. And Launren Blakely doesn’t disappoint!! With most of the story completely new, this story is cute, quirky and fun.
McKenn has sworn off relationships after being left at the alter. With good reason, her ex was a tool.
Chris isn’t mixing business with pleasure after his ex did him dirty.
When these two meet by chance there maybe chemistry but neither is looking for anything serious. Just a little fun and friendship.
Well we all know the best relationships start as friends.
Lauren Blakely has done it again with a new romantic comedy that is both sweet and sexy.
McKenna’s fiance left her just one day before the big wedding. Fast forward one year, and she’s finally over him. She is no longer hurting, and ready to get back into the dating world. With a little help from her besties of course.
In the midst of all of this, she meets Chris. He’s handsome, kind and offers to help her with her hard drive if she’ll help him with his web series. She’s funny, charming and relatable. She would be perfect for doing a dating segment on his show. The only issue being that he finds her insanely attractive and has learned the hard way never to mix business with pleasure.
It was clear from the very beginning that these two were the perfect pair. But both having been burned by love before, they decided to keep it strictly platonic. But their minds, bodies and hearts had other plans for them.
In all, The Dating Proposal was an absolute delight to read. It’s a perfectly executed friends-to-lovers romance that hit all the marks for me. I loved the easy vibe between the main two leads and the steamy slow-burn romance. Once again Lauren Blakely proves why she’s a one-click author for me.
4 stars
As usual, Lauren Blakeley hits a home run with The Dating Proposal! Funny as hell, quirky and sweet, it hit all the right notes!
McKenna is starting over, after being left (almost!) at the altar a year ago. She’s decided to start putting herself out there again and goes on a series of dates looking for Mr. Right Now.
In the meantime, she run into Chris, who just might be Mr. Right… Forever. They hit it off immediately, with off the charts chemistry and adorable charm. But they both have issues with love and they’ll have to overcome them if they want a future.
I loved everything about the book and can’t wait for more LOL moments with Lauren Blakeley and her fantastic characters!
AnnMarie – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Once again we get classic Lauren Blakely. This reboot of sorts of Trophy Husband, a book I read many years ago, is just wonderful. The Dating Proposal features McKenna Bell and Chris McCormick and these two from the very first moments when they meet have it all going on. The flirty banter Blakely is known for was never more present than in this book. And I was caught up in their updated story all over again!
For me, a long-time fan of Blakely’s work, I was a very curious as to how she would revamp this story. And I am more than happy to report that I wasn’t disappointed one bit! The parts she kept in, had me sighing and smiling huge as I remembered this fun, sweet and beautifully touching tale of finding the right one when you least expect it.
Giving us Chris’s POV this time around solidified his romance with McKenna perfectly. There’s none of that circling around and around when it comes to a Blakely book, as she puts each of them in each other’s paths to ensure they find their happy and we don’t suffer too long waiting for it!
It’s a clever storyline with McKenna and her besties, including her sister Julia before Clay (!), setting her on a course of simply dating the old-fashioned way without the use of modern technology and various apps. With Chris as a new-found friend, it’s just a matter of time before she realizes he is the one she’s been looking for all this time. The fact that he figures that out right around the same moment leads to some incredible scenes of love and passion and overall glee.
The Dating Proposal brought me back to the beginning when I fell hard for Lauren Blakely’s words and I’m beyond thrilled to have been able to visit these endearing characters once again. Including, of course, Ms. Pac Man who is the best 4-legged friend a girl can have.
A book filled with all the reasons why I read, I happily give The Dating Proposal a huge 5 stars!!
You may have seen that this book is a re write of an older book from Ms Blakely. I didn’t read the first version, so I went into this one with open eyes.
Rom-coms are my bailiwick, and this author is the queen of them. This one has some great funny lines but it is also a sweet contemporary romance love story. It’s a tale of two smart San Franciscans who are proud of their geekiness, and you could say they wear the tittle with honor. I have to confess, I am a geek too. Not in the gaming way, but I love reading books, and following the action on google maps to get a better feel of what is happening. I relished in seeing all the spots they visited pop up on the map! It made me reminisce my times in San Fran. And a certain Mr in my house has the same geeky list of concert / gig counts. I have never felt more at home reading a book!
Both McKenna and Chris have had their fair share of being burnt in previous relationships so neither were looking for a partner in any way, shape or form. But you can’t defy chemistry and what is in front of your eyes. The way these two slowly connect and figure things out is charming and winsome. I reveled in the old time songs, and couldn’t help but sing them in my head. But what I got a big kick out of was the way LB had interwoven characters from other books into this one, either in a cameo or name dropping. It had me looking up those books and marking them on my TBR.
4.5 “if we dated” stars!
The Dating Proposal is an entertaining, feel good read that will make you laugh-out-loud while you swoon. It is so sweet and it filled me with nothing but happiness as I followed McKenna and Chris’ journey to love.
A year after being left at the altar, McKenna is ready to move on and get back into the dating scene. She’s up for some fun but not looking for anything serious. When she meets Chris at a video game store, they click instantly but he has a business opportunity McKenna can’t turn down. They enter the friend zone when they start working together because Chris knows firsthand how bad things can go when you date a coworker and things go belly up. But when they have a moment of weakness, a single, hot kiss flips everything upside down and they discover just what they may be missing.
These characters are awesome! McKenna is nerdy, unique and so much fun. She is ready to date and date she does! Only, things don’t go as planned and all her prospective suitors pale in comparison to the man in front of her. Chris is a smoking hot geek who is sweet and swoony, and more perfect for McKenna than she knows.
These two characters are awesome. I love that they are a little quirky but have so much in common. They form an easy, fun friendship and the banter is hilarious. The attraction is immediate, the chemistry is amazing, and the sexual tension is off the charts.
“My body is a comet with Chris. I’m a shooting star from the way he kisses me.”
Everything feels right in the world when Chris and McKenna are a together and I loved seeing them take a chance. They are sexy and steamy, flirty and fun, and they gave me the warm fuzzies and a huge smile whenever they were together.
“How do you do that?”
“Do what?”
“Kiss me like that?”
He slides his thumb along my jaw. “Like it’s all I want to do?”
…“Yeah. Just like that,” I say with a dopey grin.
“Because kissing you is all I want to do. I can’t get enough.”
I have to add that I loved that we got to see Most Valuable Playboy ’s Cooper and Violet again. They are always there for their friends and I love their interactions. These characters are hilarious and wonderful, and I will eat up every moment I get with them!
The Dating Proposal is a lighthearted read that will make you laugh out loud, send butterflies flying, and make you fall in love. I recommend it to everyone who wants and fun, low angst, smile inducing love story.
The Dating Proposal is suuuuper cute. I want to read it again, like asap. Fun, low angst and with phenomenal character chemistry, this book is classic Lauren Blakely. It left me with the biggest smile long after reading.
You always win me over with the dialogue and boy was I addicted to the banter in this book. So good. So witty and playful. Lauren Blakely is forever my banter queen. Chris and Mckenna’s back and forth was effortless and natural. They were also refreshingly honest with each other which is something I greatly appreciate. I couldn’t get enough of their connection.
The Dating Proposal is a reimagining of one of Lauren’s previous books called Trophy Husband. While I loved this couple then, I enjoyed Chris and McKenna 2.0 even more. Get ready to smile because this is one of those heart happy stories.
I loved The Dating Proposal. It was fun and flirty! McKenna and Chris were a power duo! Even though McKenna was putting herself out there and Chris was just waiting for his moment. You could feel the attraction with every page. I loved it all!
The Dating Proposal is a revamp at its best. You get Lauren Blakely’s signature rom-com and you will have many laugh out loud moments!
4 laugh out loud stars!
Loved The Dating Proposal by Lauren Blakey! From the moment I picked it I had a smile on my face!
Sweet, funny and full of hilarious banter. The connection between Chris and McKenna was instant the moment they met.
McKenna is a sassy fashion blogger who ready to finally get back in the dating game a year after her ex-fiancé’ left her a day before their wedding. She meets Chris in a video game store who she hits it off with right away.
I love these two! The sweet and sexy banter and literally just being a perfect match.
This book is an absolute most read! You’ll have a smile on your face from start to finish!