The Proposition

By: Judith Ivory

Narrated by: Steven Crossley

Length: 13 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Set amidst the glitz and glamour of high society Victorian London, The Proposition is an opulent tale of blossoming love.

Lady Edwina Bollash is a woman of importance and distinction who has never been the object of any man's affection. However, when she meets Mick Tremore, a tall, handsome young man from the bottommost rung of society, she instantly attracts his attention. As Mick wants desperately to become a gentleman, Edwina decides to transform him into a man with class. From the start, she notices the way he looks at her. But what she doesn't yet realize is that as much as she is preparing him, he is preparing her for a place in his heart--and in his bed. Narrator Steven Crossley elevates the mounting passion of Ivory's prose, building tension with every breath and every sensuous word.

©1999 Judith Ivory, Inc. (P)2001 Recorded Books, LLC

Enchanting!

This is a perfect gem of a novel.

I admit that I bought this book on Kindle first because I wasn't sure I'd like the reader, but after reading the reviews, I purchased it. I'm so glad I did. Steven Crossley is amazing, and his voices for both Mick and Win were both fantastic. I ended up enjoying this listen so much more than I thought I would (and I got a great discount on the price!), I'll be looking for more books read by him.

The main characters, and the story, are pygmalion-esque (think "My Fair Lady" only with a man). She's prim and proper while teaches him to speak like a lord, he teaches her how to live, and they fall in love. The ending is predictable, but you won't mind it because the story is lovely, well written, and enchanting.

I highly recommend it. I know I'll relisten over and over again.

One of the best!

This is the only audiobook I've listened to twice. In a row. Just to savour the story, the narration and the characters. Mick is such a lovable character, beautifully portrayed - a down-to-earth man who cannot resist drawing out the beauty hidden inside Winnie, while she works her magic on him, transforming his external self to match his interior gentle, personable self. Her innocence is portrayed sensitively and VERY believably. I like it that she is not the perfect figure of a woman and I also like Mick's preoccupation with her legs - bordering on fetish but soooo sensually described. Quite amazing how those legs tie up the whole story. Listening to this book was a sumptuous pleasure. Steven Crossley's narration is absolutely outstanding. I'm not much of a one for male narrators (Richard Armitage excepted) but Mr Crossley's performance of this book is consummate. I daresay I will listen to it again... it's like a really tasty dish, you want to have it over and over!

my favorite book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I read 2-3 books per week so naming The Proposition as my favorite is meaningful.
I first listened to Judith Ivory's book several years ago. It was one of the most delightful, tender, laugh out loud funny books I've ever had the privilege of hearing.Steven Crossley's narration could not have been improved upon. I still smile remembering. Thank you Judith Ivory and Steven Crossly for such a treasure!

My Fair Rat Catcher

Saved this Audible version of my favorite Ivory tale to take on a plane ride. Steven Crossley did a fine job of bringing the characters to life. Mick and Winnie have so much self discovery. The essence of romance is developing characters who make each other better. Ivory’s retelling of the Pygmalion story is a delight.

A very satisfying listen.

This was a joy to listen to. It is well written and well read. Judith Ivory can give lessons on how to write sexual tension. The characters are well drawn and lovable, especially the hero. This is a light, funny, engaging story concerned more with the relationship between the protagonists. There is never any doubt in your mind about where they are coming from, or why they do what they do. This was a well-spent credit.

Why a Duke? Why-a no Baronet?

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I realize this is the type of thing that a lot of women like, but for me it was just too cliche. Ugly Duckling meets Pygmalion meets Librarian Takes Off Her Glasses and every man in the room suddenly realizes she is hot. The table dancing scene in the bar would have had me flinging the book at the wall if I had a hardcopy edition to fling. I'd rather that we had an ending where the issues of class and money weren't resolved in way that forced no one to make a hard decision.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Saw it coming a mile away.

What does Steven Crossley bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Everything worthwhile about my listen. I picked this book because he was the narrator. I'm never going to marry a duke, but I would love to marry Steven Crossley's voice and/or subscribe to its newsletter.

What would have made this romance irresistible?

A heroine who wasn't scared of rats and mice and ferrets.

Any additional comments?

Meh. I enjoyed it on a certain level, but I'm going to look for more substantial fare read by Crossley.

Entertaining story

I really enjoyed this story. It has characters with depth. It has humerous parts, sentimental parts, a touch of mystery and an all around interesting and fun book.

He learned gentlemanly ways, she learned to live.

This was a fun and sweet romance in the reverse sense of My Fair Lady, only sexier. I really liked Mick he was such a quarker. If you like regency books this is a good one to get. I enjoyed the book and the characters. It's nice to see that the hero isn't the typical earl, duke or some other royalty. The time flew by and I had a good feeling inside from the story after it was over. I will probably reread it in the future when I need a sweet romance to cheer me up. This is definitely a happily ever after story. There is not a lot of action in the story but the interaction between the main characters are such that you anticipate their next meeting as soon as they have separated. The only downside to the story was the ending was rushed and all the strife that could have happed was wrapped up with a neat little bow. I felt more time could have been spent on this and should have had a bit more strife to overcome. At first I was confused on the narrator, he seemed a bit stuffy at first, but as the book progressed I believe he was perfect for the book.

A journey of introspection

Any additional comments?

This will appeal to you if you like to immerse yourself in the minds of two main characters as they try to figure out their attraction to each other. There were a few cringe-worthy sexual tension scenes, but if you're a 'leg man', this will appeal to you! Overall, neat twist on Pygmalion theme. Overall narrator has a good 'booming' voice and did his job because I didn't actually like the hero on account of his language at the beginning (not very romantic), but by the end I had forgotten how he started out.

A Little Different

I liked it. The fact that the heroine wasn't the typical drop dead beauty was a nice change of pace. The hero, while good looking, wasn't the typical rich, bored socialite either. That said it made for a good read with a small bit of mystery to keep you interested. My only complaint would be that the narrator does not do women's voices very well.