An antihero. A writer. A random stranger. An expected death. The Proposal was a creepy, thriller ride. I loved the romantic aspect between Pippa and Ryan and the ending was one that surprised me! Another great one from Bookouture!

The first thing you should know, dear reader, is that I am dead…..

What an amazing opening for a book you just have to know what happened! The Proposal is told vi Pippa's journal entries and blog posts. Pippa is a teacher who dreams of being a full time author and one day while she is writing there is a knock at the door and it is an ex con who is down on his luck and selling cleaning products from door to door so Pippa sees what could be an interesting story and invites him in and offers him money to tell her about himself. There begins a twisted tale of infatuation and stalking that will have you gripped to the very end.

Thank you to Bookouture S.E Lynes and NetGalley for the arc of The Proposal my review is honest and unbiased in any way.

This was a psychological thriller with an ending that I certainly did not see coming.

Pippa is a novelist who has uprooted her life to go and live in the countryside. She needs to write her next book and has got nowhere with it. When someone knocks at her door, she sees an opportunity to help herself and comes up with a 'Proposal'.

Without giving away too much, all I can say is that this book is brilliant. You really don't know what is going on until the very end. A proper roller coaster ride, which had me up late in the night, unable to put the book down without knowing how it ends!

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the review copy of this book.

Three and a half star rating
Pippa should’ve known better than to invite some random stranger who knocked at her door in, look where it got her! This is quite the strangest book I’ve read in a while but it certainly grabs hold of the reader, from about half way in especially. The main characters, to be frank, deserved each other, both being loathsome and selfish. It was very hard to find anything appealing, let alone feel any empathy for their situation. It was great to read a book which was slightly off kilter and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Dark and compelling. I loved this book. The main character is deeply flawed and I spent most of the book silently shouting at her. There were plenty of surprises and even the ending caught me out, despite the huge clues right at the beginning!

I have read SE LYnes before but think this was her best! I was totally gripped and just had to devour the book!!! An excellent thriller!

I relly disliked this book - I found the original premise a bit riduculous and it was one of those books which should have been over within the few chapters if this was reality as the main protagonsits reasons were just ridiculous. I struggled to make it through to the end and personally this wasn't something I enjoyed.

The book was fairly interesting and dark, which I'm normally down for. But what really detracted me was the main character. She was unlikable, and therefore, unrootable, and that's a cardinal rule that can't be broken if you want me to live the book.

I have read a few books by this author and after reading the blurb for this one I was completely intrigued and wanted to know more!

The book is very well crafted and I read it over two days. I will admit that it took a little while for me to get in to the story and I didn't really have an idea at the outset of where the story was going and I felt almost a little muddled reading it, but after reading rave reviews from others I was never going to give up on a book reported to be so good and I was delighted that it soon clicked for me and then I was off devouring the words written.

Whilst I guessed part of the story, I still took a big intake of air part way through when things started to reveal themselves! The characters were well developed and whilst I wasn't a particular fan of any of them, they worked very well together.

4.5 stars from me rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon - a different psychological thriller - very highly recommended and another cracking book from this author!!

This was quite a unique book. As I write this I am still unsure of how I am going to rate it. I'm still not sure how I feel about it.

Aspiring writer Pippa answers the door one day and finds charming salesman Ryan at her door. Stuck in a writing slump, she asks him to be her inspiration for her next book, and gets him to tell her his life story. What she discovers and the cataclysm of events that follow will change her life forever.

I enjoyed the story, but as I said, I am still not sure what to make of it. It was like a twisted romantic-thriller... Kinda...

The book is set out in journal entries, blog posts and transcripts from voice recordings which I thought was quite clever. The story began to weave itself together into a few big twists that I thought were well imagined.

Unfortunately I just didn't gel with main character Pippa. I didn't like her, wasn't captivated by her story. And I felt the same about Ryan. I thought his little ramblings were a bit disjointed and meaningless.

Overall I had a bit of trouble getting into the story. I found my attention waning and the whole thing left me feeling rather neutral. Not dissatisfied by any means.. But not particularly satisfied either.

Would I recommend The Proposal?

I think the premise was really unique and twisted, it just lost me a bit in the execution. However other trusted friends have given it 5/5 so perhaps I am just in the minority! I would say try it and see how you go.

Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for a copy of The Proposal for me to read and review.

So this is the story of a writer who basically has a business proposal for a man she meets. She is a writer and out of material and needs to figure something out before she can no longer earn a living and then she meets Ryan. Ryan, a character I suppose you’d call unsavoury, has a story for her, the story of his life and when she gets just a snippet she is hooked, as much by him as the story, and she knows this is an opportunity she can’t let go.

Pippa herself isn’t the most likeable of characters. I think this is necessary for the book on a whole, it is a bit of a dark, dingy read in places, and Pippa’s mistrust and bitterness (don’t get me wrong, she’s not dark all the time) helps in a headachy read that has you wondering what’s going to happen next. It is a book of two halves, the first being all about the writing and her work in a world of stories and books and it is used to set up the second half, when chaos and darkness take over. I enjoyed it although I found some of the first half, while beautiful in places a bit dull, then when you got to the second half it was suddenly like a rollercoaster that took off and wouldn’t stop as one became obsessed with the other and Pippa ignored help as she lost sight of reality. It turned a bit grim for me to be honest, but I think many will enjoy. I don’t know, very torn on this one! Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the book in return for an honest review.

For much of this book I wasn't sure whether I liked it or not. Pippa is a frustrating and often unlikable character and Ryan is intensely creepy. Between them this produces a plot that is disturbing and crazy but strangely compelling, mostly because of the foreshadowing at the very start. That made me want to see it through and see how things unfolded, otherwise I'm not sure if I would. Clever twist at the end.

For goodness sake! I don’t think I’ve ever read a Susie Lynes book that I didn’t LOVE! Her characters are whacky and memorable! The plot is fabulously crazy and insanely nutty.
She writes in a way that constantly has you wondering what will happen next OR has you questioning what the hell the characters are thinking! Have you ever watched an old horror movie and yelled at the TV for the stupid character to run away from the psycho wth the knife not toward it? Well, that basically describes the screaming match I had while reading “The Proposal”! It’s fabulous writing and I will be a forever S.E. Lynes fan!
If I had the chance to ask her a question over a pint or glass of wine, I’d ask her…
Where does the inspiration for the incredibly off kilter cast of characters come from? (But I feel like if I ever did have the chance to meet with her, I’d make sure I wasn’t alone…lol)
Her ability to construct a story seems to come so easily. Her ability to keep you guessing is refreshing yet mind blowing, and the seemless way she integrates the twist before comparably smacking you across the face with it… just awesome! Thank you for writing such amazing stories!

A Chilling Love Story Wrapped Up in a Sinister Thriller
SE Lynes is a master of her craft. Of that, there can be no doubt. The Proposal is her fourth psychological thriller to hit the charts, and I can only say that with each book I read, I wonder how she can possibly top the last. But yet again Lynes has managed just that.

About the Book:
Teacher Pippa wants a second chance. Recently divorced, unhappy at work and desperate to find a gripping plot for her next bestseller, Pippa invites an ex-con into her home one dark night in the hope that his story might spark a touch of inspiration. Ryan Marks is funny, charming and although clearly haunted, he can't be that dangerous, can he?

There is no denying that in the last few years, the publishing industry has seen a surge of thrillers hitting the bookshelves. Readers can't seem to get enough of the twisty-turny escapist reads. But, there is something to be said for the statement 'too much of a good thing' and it seems that while some authors are able to truly make a mark within the genre, many find themselves falling foul of 'another gripping page-turner' that doesn't grip me at all.

SE Lynes is certainly not one of those authors. There are a few writers (only a few) who have seen the upsurge in thrillers and instead of writing what is working currently, they are pushing the boundaries and raising the bar for others. The Proposal does exactly that.

"The first thing you should know, dear reader, is that I'm dead" - If that isn't a first line that begs you to read the book, I don't know what is!

Although I can't say too much (for fear of spilling spoilers haphazardly across the page), what I can say is that this is a thriller that had me shouting at the pages as Pippa naively traipsed through her romantically driven world in the most dangerous and threatening way.

The Proposal explores depths of our human subconscious that most of us deny. Many would question why Pippa would invite her guest into her life in the first place; in fact, many would continue to ask that very question until the very last page. It's exactly this question that makes the book relatable. The truth is, there are too many of us around the world that would do the same thing in a similar situation. Wait until you have read the book and then ask yourself honestly, would you have let him in?

In truth, our human needs and desires to find love despite the red flags, or success at any cost, would lead us down a similar path.

But it's not all doom and gloom, in fact, there were many moments throughout the novel where I laughed out loud. Pippa's narration, be it through dialogue, blog posts or voice memos, was at times truly endearing despite her frustrating naivety.

Having read all three of her previous novels, I was expecting intricately drawn characters, a real sense of place and setting and above all twists that I actually couldn't predict. The Proposal takes it that step further. Somehow, SE Lynes has created what can only be described as a chilling love story wrapped up in a sinister thriller that draws your breath from the very first line and doesn't let you go until the very last. Pippa is both endearing but infuriation, Ryan is charismatic but sinister. With such complex characters, it is easy to feel like you are being led on a rollercoaster of emotions. Nothing less than I deserve from this talented author!

As with most reviews, it is frustrating to talk about such an incredibly well-written book and not share exactly why you loved it, but the ending... the ending is why I loved it. The sheer 'what the ...' moment. Despite having read the first line, knowing exactly what was coming, I was still left utterly blindsided by the final few chapters.

So, because I can't tell you what happens, the only thing that remains left to be said is... read the damn book! All the way to the end! Then come back and tell me that I am wrong for stating that this book will sit firmly at the top of every thriller readers Top 5 Reads of 2018.

Well done SE Lynes. You have managed to take a genre that may be struggling under the weight of 'just another Girl on the Train' and elevated expectations for Thriller readers across the globe.

Like attracts like...this was an interesting read. I didn't really like the main character, but possibly because she made me feel uncomfortable. And Gary was pretty creepy too. Was it a love story? Yes. Was it a story of insanity? Yes. I enjoyed this because I knew there was going to be trouble but I couldn't predict exactly what!

Told from the main characters post event view point. I loved it. Very well written and it kept me reading. This is everything I like in a thriller. Ask for it for Christmas!

Wow… this book is brilliant! The story is crazy and if you love to read about crazy, you will love it; full of twists & turns and you will not be able to put it down. Now I have to read more by SE Lynes.

This is a rollercoaster of a love story, a mystery, a psychological thriller, and the ending does not disappoint!

I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

For goodness sake! I don't think I've ever read a Susie Lynes book that I didn't LOVE! Her characters are whacky and memorable! The plot is fabulously crazy and insanely nutty. 
She writes in a way that constantly has you wondering what will happen next OR has you questioning what the hell the characters are thinking! Have you ever watched an old horror movie and yelled at the TV for the stupid character to run away from the psycho wth the knife not toward it? Well, that basically describes the screaming match I had while reading "The Proposal"! It's fabulous writing and I will be a forever S.E. Lynes fan! 
If I had the chance to ask her a question over a pint or glass of wine, I'd ask her... 
Where does the inspiration for the incredibly off kilter cast of characters come from? (But I feel like if I ever did have the chance to meet with her, I'd make sure I wasn't alone...lol)
Her ability to construct a story seems to come so easily. Her ability to keep you guessing is refreshing yet mind blowing, and the seemless way she integrates the twist before comparably smacking you across the face with it... just awesome! Thank you for writing such amazing stories!

I went into this book not knowing much about it. It is about Pippa Gates a teacher who wants to write a best seller and lead the life she has always dreamed of. Her first book is a flop and pressure in on to write a second. While desperately trying to come up with a thread an ex-con, Ryan, knocks on her door. He is trying to get back on his feet selling cleaning goods door to door. Pippa at the last moment puts an idea to him and this becomes the pivotal point in the story.
Pippa is the most infuriating main character. I found her quite unlikeable, she is selfish, immature and no one measures up to her expectations. She does not think much of her friends or colleagues and seems to think the world should revolve around her.
There are many twists in this book but none of them really surprised me except for one right at the end. To be honest this is a book I could take or leave, interesting but not exactly a thriller for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to review this book.

I have heard a lot of good things about this book. The basic story of the book is very good. Pippa is a school teacher who has written a book that has failed. She is under pressure to offer up her second book and has no idea where to start. A homeless man calls at her door selling cleaning products and when she hears his story she offers to pay him for it. He says his name is Ryan, or is it? Is his story even true? That is where her story begins.
I found Pippa to be a very self involved unlikeable character, I didnt really care what happened to her in the end. The story is told through the medium of a private journal, a blog and some voice recordings made by Ryan, which suddenly stop for no reason? I found this very disjointed and hard to follow.
This is the first SE Lynes book I have read, I would like to read more as I have heard positive things about the author. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.