Because I'm kind of crazy like that, apparently.
The Decent Proposal - Kemper Donovan
An addictively readable debut romantic comedy, drama, and mystery rolled into one, about two very different strangers whose lives become intertwined when they receive an unusual proposition. This is a funny, tender, and enchanting story about love, attraction, and friendship: Jane Austen in Los Angeles.
A struggling Hollywood producer, Richard Baumbach is twenty-nine, hung-over, and broke. Ridiculously handsome with an innate charm and an air of invincibility, he still believes good things will come his way. For now he contents himself with days at the Coffee Bean and nights with his best friend Mike (that’s a woman, by the way).
At thirty-three, Elizabeth Santiago is on track to make partner at her law firm. Known as “La Máquina” The Machine—to her colleagues, she’s grown used to avoiding anything that might derail her quiet, orderly life. And yet recently she befriended a homeless man in her Venice neighborhood, surprised to find how much she enjoys their early-morning chats.
Richard and Elizabeth’s paths collide when they receive a proposal from a mysterious, anonymous benefactor. They’ll split a million dollars if they agree to spend at least two hours together—just talking—every week for a year. Astonished and more than a little suspicious, they each nevertheless say yes. Richard needs the money and likes the adventure of it. Elizabeth embraces the challenge of shaking up her life a little more. Both agree the idea is ridiculous, but why not?
What ensues is a delightful journey full of twists, revelations, hamburgers, classic literature, poppy music, and above all love, in its multitude of forms. The Decent Proposal is a heartfelt and often hilarious look at the ties that bind not just a guy and a girl but an entire, diverse cast of characters situated within a modern-day Los Angeles brought to full and irrepressible life.
A struggling Hollywood producer, Richard Baumbach is twenty-nine, hung-over, and broke. Ridiculously handsome with an innate charm and an air of invincibility, he still believes good things will come his way. For now he contents himself with days at the Coffee Bean and nights with his best friend Mike (that’s a woman, by the way).
At thirty-three, Elizabeth Santiago is on track to make partner at her law firm. Known as “La Máquina” The Machine—to her colleagues, she’s grown used to avoiding anything that might derail her quiet, orderly life. And yet recently she befriended a homeless man in her Venice neighborhood, surprised to find how much she enjoys their early-morning chats.
Richard and Elizabeth’s paths collide when they receive a proposal from a mysterious, anonymous benefactor. They’ll split a million dollars if they agree to spend at least two hours together—just talking—every week for a year. Astonished and more than a little suspicious, they each nevertheless say yes. Richard needs the money and likes the adventure of it. Elizabeth embraces the challenge of shaking up her life a little more. Both agree the idea is ridiculous, but why not?
What ensues is a delightful journey full of twists, revelations, hamburgers, classic literature, poppy music, and above all love, in its multitude of forms. The Decent Proposal is a heartfelt and often hilarious look at the ties that bind not just a guy and a girl but an entire, diverse cast of characters situated within a modern-day Los Angeles brought to full and irrepressible life.
I can't even tell you how in need of a light, fun read I was and I am so glad I had this in my review pile. Right away this reminded me of Catherine McKenzie's Arranged, slightly different but it was the first thing that popped into my head, which is a great thing because I loved that book too. Also worth noting is that this book felt totally L.A. I've never been there but when I think of L.A. this book is what I think it would be like. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing, but every stereotype and preconception you'd think of when you think of L.A. is in this book somewhere.
Right away, I kind of related to Elizabeth because while I can be a bubbly, fun person, I really understand her work ethic and her sometimes awkwardness with people. It's hard to make friends as adults and break into a "group" and not having that natural ability can really hinder your career and maybe other opportunities. Richard.. alright, so I didn't love him so much. He kind of comes off as a loser though it's not like he isn't trying to be successful. He just.. isn't. So pairing these two together not only doesn't seem like an obvious choice but also kind of seems like it's totally right. They each have something the other needs and they both reluctantly jump at this seemingly too-good-to-be-true offer.
I liked their "courtship", and the focus on her love of books and his love of movies. Their meet up's/dates are fun and enjoyable and if I was a single gal, I'd hope some of my dates would go like theirs do.
The only thing I didn't love about the book is the epilogue. It's a little cheesy and while I usually love an epilogue as a last hurrah for the characters, a peek into their future down the road, this one was just meh for me. To be fair, I am also coming off of some books I was absolutely hooked to and this one was fun, but it wasn't one I couldn't put down, so maybe that's my problem. So feel free to completely ignore my opinion on that.
Overall? I'd have to give this a 4/5 stars. It's fun, it's a cute story line, it's funny, it's chick lit but still a light, enjoyable read that even a guy should read to get ideas on decent dates. Just sayin. Ha! You'll find a copy of The Decent Proposal on Amazon and Barnes & Noble waiting to come to your mailbox. Happy reading, lambs!
1 comment:
Yay for a light and fun read at just the right time!
Thanks for being a part of the tour.
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