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.

I stayed up way too late listening!

This book is so captivating, and the actor's voice so perfect, I lost track of time in several occasions.

the proposition

just a fun, sweet, entertaining story....would totally read again. easy listening. Winnie is smart, sweet and Mick is hot, sexy and would love a sequel book.

A Great listen!

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

Absolutely!
Very smooth story with wonderful characters.
So well brought to life by the narrator.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Proposition?

One of the most memorable scenes.......there were several.........was the one in which Mick and Winnie struck their bargain.
I laughed out loud more than once during this chapter.

Which scene was your favorite?

I think the bargain scene.
This Author can really paint pictures with words, and can stir every emotion with her writing.

Any additional comments?

If you haven't read this one....you are missing out.

A reverse situation of My Fair Lady

This story reminded me a lot of My Fair Lady but basically in a reverse situation.
A lady who is a linguist is given the chance of changing a rat catcher into a lord, a viscount to be precise.
What neither of them know, is that there is another plot afoot by the twin brothers who instigated this affair.
Enjoy the six weeks of sometimes fun and lots of frustration and find out how it all ends!

More than expected

As the story began, I thought this was going to be another "Liza Dolittle" tale but it was far more than that. I like the occasional light story with simple entertainment. The Proposition fit the bill.

Narration was good, especially going between a proper British accent and the tough Cockney accent. Though slightly predictable, the story and narration was thoroughly enjoyable b

Slow down and let yourself sink into this wonderful story

There is something so mesmerizing about Ivory’s writing. It makes me remember what it is like to feel.

She conveys the growth of emotion and the progress in the change of character so well that everything I’ve read since seems like stop-motion animation.

Take time to listen to this wonderful story.