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!
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It you are looking for a sweet, witty, flirty read then look no further than The Dating Proposal it is a perfect read that will make you laugh and leave you smiling like a Cheshire Cat.
Chris and McKenna have not been very successful in the love department, McKenna was left the day before her wedding but a year on she is ready to move on and that’s when Chris comes into the picture the problem is they both only want a bit of fun neither are looking for a relationship. Chris is the IT guy who comes to McKenna’s rescue when she has an accident with her hard drive and in return she offers to help him with his website. Mixing business with pleasure is never good and what will happen when these two cross the line…..well I guess you need to read the book to find that out.
This story has it all, a handsome nerdy kind hero and sweet fun loving heroine, I loved the banter and the quirkinesses that is present throughout this great read, I loved the characters, I loved the story in fact I loved it all. Another brilliant read from this very talented author.
THE DATING PROPOSAL by Lauren Blakely is a contemporary, adult, stand alone, erotic romance story line focusing on podcaster and app developer Chris McCormick, and fashion blogger McKenna Bell.
NOTE: THE DATING PROPOSAL was originally released as Trophy Husband in 2013 but the author has re-written and reimagined the tale of Chris and McKenna.
Told from dual first person points of view (Chris and McKenna) THE DATING PROPOSAL follows fashion blogger McKenna Bell, one year after her ex-fiancé dumped her the day before their wedding. In the ensuing time, our heroine has focused on her blog, never considering reentering the world of dating or love. When her friend’s cat knocks over her hard drive, our heroine will come face to face with her future. Enter Chris McCormick, the man with whom McKenna will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Chris and McKenna, and the potential fall-out as McKenna’s issues of trust come to the forefront when her relationship with Chris ventures into serious territory.
Chris McCormick doesn’t do work-place relationships but watching McKenna Bell’s hilarious videos gave Chris an idea for his own struggling show. From friendship to lovers, Chris is willing to take the step from fun to something more, but it is the something more that frightens McKenna into remembering what was, and what may be.
The relationship between Chris and McKenna is one of immediate attraction: their sassy back and forth conversations are flirty and fun; it is only a matter of time before the heart succumbs to love and a happily ever after. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters are an eclectic mix of family and friends, cats and dogs, and exes with their new found mates. We are introduced to Chris’s best friend Cooper, and his boss Bruce; McKenna’s sister Julia; friends Andy, Hayden and her daughter Erin.
THE DATING PROPOSAL is a sexy and energetic story of romance and love. The premise is entertaining and seductive; the characters are lively and fun; the romance is captivating and desirous.
McKenna Bell, the Fashion Hound, is a smart, beautiful woman who has had her heart broken. She posts fashion blogs sharing her knowledge of what to wear and when it is appropriate. A year earlier McKenna’s fiance left her the day before her wedding. Finally, McKenna realizes that she is ready to move on. But, she decides to forgo the new-usual 21st century method of dating, a dating app. McKenna wants to meet new guys the old-fashioned way, IRL, in real life. Chris McCormick is handsome funny, total surfer-dude, and very very computer savvy. Chris also has a broken heart(trust issues) from a previous relationship with a colleague. During a chance meeting in a computer store Chris ends up fixing McKenna’s broken hard drive. They come into this relationship as two very wary people leary of a committed relationship due to their pasts. As they develop a friendship and working relationship will they allow their hearts to heal and find a way to have forever together? Gotta read it to find out. You might recognize some characters from other books, YEA! McKenna’s sister is Julia Bell (as in Julia and Clay). Chris’ sister, Jill (as in Jull and Milo) appears a little bit. So fun to see old favorites again. As always, Lauren Blakely writes a fun escape into her world of HOT, handsome guys, strong beautiful women, and some very sexy times between the sheets. Loved it! Can’t say it enough. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 5*****
The thing about LB books, is that I know I’m going to get a light and sweet and swoony book every time i crack open one of her books. Sometimes you just need sweet and light! And you never get cheated out on the fun and naughty!
Chris and McKenna are perfect for each other! I loved them so much! Quirky and sweet, funny and completely and totally combustible!
After being dumped right before her wedding, McKenna takes a break from guys. She thought she had met “the one”, just seems his one was not her. After a year, McKenna makes the decision she is over her ex and moving on! She gets help from her friends to set her up on dates, she decides to tip her toe back in. But she wants fun and light, nothing serious or with strings attached.
She wasn’t at all expecting Chris. It was a chance encounter they met…but I say it was fate. They hit it off right off the bat. Chris is geeky, sweet and fun. He made me laugh and made me swoon hard! The perfect sweet and fun light read!
Previous published as Trophy Husband, Miss Blakely did a huge makeover and I think you’ll really love this new and improved version!
I never had the pleasure of reading Trophy Husband when it first came out, but I can’t imagine anything different for Chris and McKenna. These two characters are perfect, and their quirky love story is sublime.
I fell in love with our hero instantly. Chris is so perfectly…normal. And that’s a good thing. He’s not flashy, overly alpha, or an unobtainable bazillionaire. He’s your quirky, sexy, everyday surfer next door who loves video games and loves to make you laugh. He’s humble and kind, and just as lost in the dating world as most people. And all that charm and charisma is wrapped up in a gorgeous, sexy package.
McKenna is fantastic. One of her friends likes to describe her as sweet and fierce, and I couldn’t agree with that description more. She’s quirky and funny, but she has that edge to her that balances everything out. She has a fun and outgoing personality, but she’s just as lost as Chris is.
Everything flows so easily between these two characters. Their light-hearted banter and flirty conversations keep you intrigued and the white-hot chemistry between them sucks you into the story and doesn’t let go. It’s a wonderful well-rounded story, and a perfect example of what Lauren Blakely is all about. I highly recommend this book.
(I was lucky to have received an ARC of this book for an honest exchange).
The Dating Proposal was everything I hoped it would be and much more. Surfer geek, hot fashion blogger, music (oldies), Dr. Seuss, Q-Bert, Ms. Pacman, retro video games, holding a screwdriver for ransom, hardrives, orgasmic ketchup, first sip of Diet Coke, and karaoke. This book had it ALL!! McKenna and Chris were so much fun together. Meeting by chance, McKenna and Chris immediately hit it off forming a playful friendship. From that very first moment, they fell in into something natural that was much more than friendship. It was as if their soles immediately connected. Their conversations were honest, fun, and flirtatious. They found they had some things in common, such as their love for retro games and music. Unfortunately, another thing they had in common is that they both had trust issues. Both having had “bad luck” in past relationships, neither was looking for a serious role.
I absolutely love McKenna. Despite having been left by her fiancé right before her wedding, McKenna had a positive outlook in life. She didn’t dwell over the breakup. She picked herself back up, held her head up high, and move forward.
This book was lighthearted with amazing relatable character making you wish Chris and McKenna were your BFF’s. Their relationship reminded me a little of the relationship between Finn and Kyler of Unzipped as both were relationships that began by a chance encounter, turned into friendship, which turned into love. Lauren Blakely is a a pre-order/one-click/must-own-in-all-formats author for me. SHE IS QUEEN OF ROM-COMS.
The Dating Proposal was such as cute fun read. I’ve read Trophy Husband (the original Chris and McKenna story) and liked it. But their new reimagining of their romance was just fabulous. I loved how Lauren stayed true to their personalities. I enjoyed their banter and interactions-they were sweet, steamy, and entertaining. I also liked their little quirks. It made them so much more real. Chris and McKenna were awesome characters and seeing their relationship bloom was great. I enjoyed it tremendously. And seeing several worlds intertwine has got me on the knack for some re-reads :). Lauren is one of my favorite authors and this is a good reason why. Completely redoing a couple and their romance and making it original and lovely is a testament to a storyteller and writer. I really loved reading this story. The Dating Proposal is gold.
The Dating Proposal was a great and wonderful read, with a wonderful rapport and chemistry between McKenna and Chris. I enjoyed The Trophy Husband and this a great revision/update with both Chris and McKennas POV. I love a book that makes me smile and laugh and there was plenty of that. 5 stars for me and this will be added to my list of books to reread. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Such a fun, romantic story!
Chris and McKenna are wonderful characters whose romance will leave you gasping for breath and cheering them on every step of the way. The writing just flows throughout, drawing the reader in as if they were your two best friends. It’s a terrific story with a lot of heart, and one I know I’ll reread again and again. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Reviewed on behalf of http://www.bookboyfriendaddict.com The Book Boyfriend Addict. A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
“Because kissing you is all I want to do. I can’t get enough.”
McKenna Bell has been spending the past year growing her fashion blog and its really paid off. Having been left by her ex the day before their wedding she’s finally decided that a year is more than enough time and is finally over him. Deciding that she wants to meet guys the old fashion way she enlists the help of friends to set her up. Chris McCormick runs a successful web series and after meeting McKenna decides collaborating with her might just be exactly what his show needs, the only catch is how attracted he is to McKenna and his self-imposed rule of never dating someone you work with.
Oh, wow I really loved this one!! Lauren Blakely really can’t write a bad book and all of her characters are the type of people you just want to hang out with and these characters certainly fit the bill. I loved Chris and how he totally owned his geeky side even though on the outside he is the typical hot Cali surfer guy. McKenna was just to cute for words from her fashion advice, dating advice and her love for gaming. Their relationship was a fun friendship to lovers’ troupe that I always enjoy reading. If you’re looking for a super sweet low drama read with characters you want as your BFFs then this is the book for you!
‘I’m a tuning fork, vibrating hotly from his touch.’
Lauren definitely delivers on The Dating Proposal!! This book has so much chemistry, bantering, and humor.
McKenna has been dumped her fiancé for a younger girl. Now she’s finally reading to move on and decides to start dating again. While in the process, she meets nerdy, sexy Chris. Their chemistry is off the charts and their journey friends to their happy ending is swoon worthy.
This book will give you all the feels so be ready to smile, cry, and laugh.
ARC received for an honest review.
This book sucked you in and kept you wanting for more.
McKenna and Chris were fast friends. Both came with baggage from previous relationships that made future relationships a little more difficult.
McKenna had a few dates that turned out horribly. What I liked about these experiences with the dates is they were relatable, with situations that were fathomable.
The love story that happens is natural between two people that you can believe would fall for each other.
Lauren hits another book out of the park.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Lauren Blakely never fails to provide us with an entertaining RomCom and The Dating Proposal was no different!
McKenna Bell, a fashion blogger, has been out of the dating game since her last relationship ended a year ago and she’s decided it is time to get back into the game. Her friends are trying to help set her up, but so far she hasn’t had luck with any of the suitors. When she ends up crossing paths with Chris at the video game store, sparks fly for the first time in a very long time for her.
Chris, who hosts a TV show, finds McKenna as attractive as she finds him and he comes up with a great plan that will not only benefit them both professionally, but it might benefit them personally too. Chris thinks that McKenna should come on his show and answer questions about dating for the people who send in said questions. She agrees and not only is it a hit, but it’s clear to everyone watching that things are happening between the co-hosts as well.
With trust issues abounding for both of them, they decide to date, but to take it very slowly. They communicate like adults should and they make it known what they can handle out of a relationship at that time. Will they be able to get past their hang-ups from past relationships to make this one work?
I enjoyed this story very much and enjoyed going along for the journey to their happily ever after!
The Dating Proposal by Lauren Blakely
The Dating Proposal is a complete reimagining of Blakely’s Trophy Husband (no longer available for purchase) and comes with brand spanking new material that even those of us who inhale every book Blakely writes (for example, me), will be delighted at the fresh, new (around 85% new!) content.
We meet McKenna, a successful vlogger, when she’s headed out to celebrate her anniversary. Not of her marriage though; McKenna is celebrating the anniversary of her non-wedding. While she doesn’t meet Chris on this fateful day, she does meet someone else who she thinks she might enjoy dating and thus enters into a ‘dating for fun phase’.
Chris is a sexy, delicious geek who helps McKenna when an evil cat damages her hard-drive. They strike up a friendship and when Chris suggests that McKenna join him on his show and help boost both their target audiences, she acquiesces and so the journey (kind-of) starts.
There’s a delicious slow-burn to this story as neither Chris nor McKenna want anything more than friendship. Chris because he’s been burned by dating a colleague and McKenna because she only wants to date for funsies. Because of this, they take their time getting to the eventual point and I so enjoyed the journey with them. I felt that their friendship was so adorably cute and flirty and when they got together, I may have let out a small cheer.
The Dating Proposal includes a gorgeous cast of characters we’ve likely met before and for me, it’s always fun to visit old friends. This book is a wonderful reinvention and I already look forward to a reread.
*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.
I so love when an author writes something different than the normal romance troupes, and in the Dating Proposal by the awesomely talented Lauren Blakely, she does just that. Our hero, Chris, and our heroine, McKenna, meet by happenstance when he literally offers to fix her broken hard drive.
The plot flows effortlessly and little by little you learn of their past heartbreaks, their likes and dislikes, and her plan to dip her toes back into the dating pool after being left at the alter a year prior. The scenes of her on dates with other guys are so funny!
Through Lauren’s writing, you can feel the heat and their chemistry from their very first meeting. They get along so well, have so much in common including their wicked sense of humor, and truly enjoy one another’s company. It’s so refreshing to read a book where there isn’t a ton of angst and you want to slap one of the leads. This book was funny, sweet, and filled with hope and lots of laughs.
Ah Chris…he’s a surfer on the side with an awesome body, a Stanford graduate double majoring in Business and Computers so he’s also smart, and he’s driven as he started his own gaming web-show, something he is very passionate about. He fully owns his geek-ness which is very hot, is loyal to his friends, fun to be around, close with his sister, romantic, thoughtful, and sensitive, and the absolute perfect book boyfriend.
McKenna is a breath of fresh air. I love her bubbly personality, her positive outlook on life, and how she isn’t afraid to put herself out there again. She is kind to her friends and family, has smart business and fashion sense, is independent, and feels comfortable in her own skin. She, too, has her own business as a fashion video blogger, and connects so well with others.
When she and Chris first meet, they have such an easy way about them and the witty banter and flirtations just naturally flow. They also can’t hold back their desire for one another, and it was fun to read what was going on inside their heads each time they got together! Lauren writes in such a way that you really feel for them and with them, and route the entire time for these two to realize they are soul mates!
I loved all the pop references, song choices that they both liked, and how they both weren’t afraid to be their true selves around one another. They took a risk deciding to work together, and it basically sealed the deal of how well they get along. Chris just adored and respected her, and she felt the same. They were honest with their feelings from the beginning and continued to communicate as their relationship turned from friends to co-workers to lovers, so this book didn’t drag on and on as it does in so many other books.
Chris and McKenna were two people with past hurts who realized they were going all in for their chance at true happiness. Just wait until you read the epilogues! After all, isn’t that why we all read rom-coms? To laugh, and swoon, and sigh…and that’s exactly what I did reading The Dating Proposal! Five-star read for this book lover!
So, back in the day I read Lauren’s book Trophy Husband, and I fell in love with McKenna & Chris….fast forward 6 years, and we have their love story reimagined and it’s a 5 star amazing story!
Meet McKenna, left at the alter by her fiance, who decided at the last minute, after seven years together, he wants the girl he met while at his bachelor party in Vegas. It’s taken her a year to feel like herself again and thanks to her friends cat breaking her hard drive, she meet’s Chris.
These two have a chemistry like no other couple I’ve read from Lauren before. The banter and conversations these two have will have you laughing your butt off! Both are afraid to love again, will they take a chance on each other?
This is a must read, I know my review doesn’t go into detail, I much rather you read along and experience the magic that way, you will not be disappointed! Grab it when it releases!!
This is such a cute, quick read with all the feels. I really enjoyed Chris & McKenna’s chemistry & banter. I didn’t read the Trophy Husband so I cannot compare the old & the new version, but I enjoyed this book & the characters (both human & animals).
Lauren Blakely’s newest offering, The Dating Proposal is a little bit sweet, a whole lot sexy, topped off with just the right amount of feel good to satisfy even the pickiest of readers. The story has all of the hallmarks I love in a Blakely book…..it’s funny, flirty, sexy and has the perfect HEA befitting of the characters. In a word, I loved it!
McKenna and Chris have an adorable meet-cute and their friendship blossoms from there. Both have their walls up due to past relationship disasters. They forge a friendship that is fun and flirty which continually ratches up the sexual tension. Blakely builds their story slowly and really gets the reader invested fully. There’s plenty of romantic, swoon-worthy moments which are perfectly balanced with the laugh-out-loud moments. The characters have a ton of chemistry and they truly are adorable together!
If you’ve read Blakely’s other books, you’ll recognize plenty of familiar faces. In fact, because it’s a revamp of her previously published Trophy Husband, it takes place prior to some of her other books but don’t worry, there are zero spoilers in this book. To sum it up, The Dating Proposal is charming and fun and was a true delight to read. Low on angst, it’s the perfect feel-good story so do yourself a favor and grab it today! 5 stars
A great romcom read. Fantastic witty banter and scorching hot chemistry. A unique storyline that has you invested until the end. Another hit by Lauren Blakely!
I remember meeting Chris & McKenna when Lauren introduces them in Trophy Husband But now The Dating Proposal brings them back better then ever.
Their story is absolutely adorable, the banter and chemistry between the two is off the charts and seeing them find their way to have trust in being with someone again is heartwarming.
This book will give you all the feels from the moment the two of the meet right up until you see the words The End, so if you are looking for a book that will leave you with a smile on your face then don’t hesitate to read this one