The Proposition

A Novel

By: Madeleine Roux

Narrated by: Billie Fulford-Brown

A woman trapped in a loveless engagement joins forces with a mysterious man bent on vengeance against her fiancé in The Proposition, a lively tale of intrigue, revenge, and romance.

What would you propose?

Clemency Fry has always been certain that marriage is a ludicrous arrangement—a notion she has believed ever since reading a scandalous feminist treatise as a girl. But her outlook on romance suddenly changes after meeting the handsome Lord Boyle. With the proposition of a different sort of union, one with mutual respect and financial security for her family, Clemency is won over, but when the wedding is set and the plans are in motion, Lord Boyle turns cold and dismissive. Clemency fears the worst has come to fruition; she had been right all along about affairs of the heart. She has fallen into the one trap she swore she never would.

Then Audric Ferrand comes to town seeking revenge against Lord Boyle on behalf of his sister, who also fell for his charm and wealth. Audric sees Clemency’s predicament as the opportunity he needs. He suggests they join forces, a proposition that is risky and outrageous, and could possibly lead to the destruction of both their reputations. Falling in love was never in the bargain, but the season has just begun—and romance is surely in the air.

Critic reviews

“This book has everything you want from a Regency romance—great characters, great writing, an excellent plot, and an absolutely perfect happily-ever-after. Highly recommended.”—Kate Pearce, New York Times bestselling author

Over the top in disappointment

I wanted to like this book, but I spent more time trying to decide whether the writing was overdone or the narrator's style was at fault. I think it's both. Romance audiobooks suffer when narrators perform the melodrama melodramatically. Less definitely would have been more here. The novel itself had a twisty plot for the sake of being twisty with a heroine who began to seem more flighty than merely unpredictable. The characters in general could use some rounding. Throw in a "God from the machine" resolution and it all goes splat. I rated it a 3 overall because it's not the worst book ever, and maybe I expected too much.