Thank you NetGalley, Berkley and the author for the arc!

Welp. You can’t win ‘em all. And unfortunately this one was not a winner for me. I can’t really place my finger on an exact reason why … but I just couldn’t connect with this book. The characters & the story itself was just meh. The whodunnit was fairly predictable, nothing really exciting happened & I felt dragged through to the end. But hey, that’s just my opinion from my personal tastes … you may pick it up and really enjoy it! And I hope you do!

(3.5/5 stars)

A Proposal to Die For by Molly Harper is a cozy mystery with a wee bit of romance.

I used some of my monthly Spotify Premium audiobook hours to listen to this one while I followed along in my physical review copy. I had a ton of fun listening to Amanda Ronconi narrate! I pretty much inhaled this book in one sitting.

Our main character, Jessamine, has contingencies for her contingencies. This really made me feel seen! I also loved the mention of will-o-whisps, because I'm a big fan of folklore. The entire family that owned the remote Golden Ash resort was fabulous, and I'd honestly love to read more books featuring them. Doing a tandem read (book + audio) really helped me remember who was who in the large family/staff.

I'm not always a fan of romance arcs where the characters feel an intense connection as soon as they see each other. It's hard for me to really feel the sparks when that's the case, so it did take me a bit to warm up to our main character and the sexy chef at the resort. But I did like them together in the end!

While I did figure out who was planning all the murders, it didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the mystery.

I found this mystery, while written in a charming voice from a fun perspective, to be clunky. The mystery itself was clumsy and the romance also belied reality - the human behaviour of the characters didn't track. Also, based on the cover I expected this to be a period mystery (a la Julia Seales "A Most Agreeable Murder"). I felt the design to be incongruous with the contemporary setting. Also, to start the book with a teaser of a murder but then basically retype that exact scenario when the murder actually happens was...odd. Not my favourite.

I have been a long-time fan of Molly Harper. I love her PNR and contemporary stories. Her humor has always made me laugh out loud. SO I was super excited to give her foray into cozy murder mysteries a go. My experience was a mixed bag.

Jess is a proposal planner who helps folks come up with the perfect, memorable marriage proposals. When Diana, mean girl from high school, wants a social-media worthy proposal, she insists her boyfriend get Jess involved. This leads to a bizarre girls spa weekend get away where Jess is berated and beaten up verbally on a constant basis, even after Jess discovers not one, but two dead bodies.

The whodunit part of A Proposal to Die For is pretty good. Like Jess, I picked up on odd behaviors but didn’t quite piece it all together (and in fact, I picked the wrong person). After all the details come out, I felt the motive was on the weak side, but based on the actions of the characters, it is plausible.

What I didn’t like and became annoyed with is the constant bratty behavior of Diana and the wicked pettiness of wedding planner Aubrey. I got so mad on Jess’s behalf, and then I just became irritated with the non-stop abuse. At first it seemed to come from out of nowhere. It would have made more sense and been easier to accept had the author explained the rational for the behavior upfront. But even after their attitudes are explained, it just went on and on, and Jess, feeling stuck just takes it.

A Proposal to Die for is also a romance, complete with an HEA. I enjoyed seeing Jess find solace among the Osbourne family. Here is where one finds the trademark Harper humor and found family bonding. The romance is sweet and slow burn, with any heat off page. But Jess and Dean flirt and build a friendship while both struggle with baggage. I enjoyed the romance and would have loved for it to be a bigger part of the story.

In the end, A Proposal to Die for has some wonderful moments and fun times, but the mean girl and frat bro stereotypes played too heavily for me to completely enjoy this one.

My Rating: C

A Proposal to Die For is a fun little murder mystery featuring Jessamine Bricker, a proposal planner who gets roped into joining a “pre-bridal” retreat for a new client. Between managing Diana’s over-the-top demands and trying to focus on planning the perfect “re-proposal”, Jess has her work cut out for her. Stumbling upon a dead body - or two - was definitely not on her to-do list for the week.

Jess is such a relatable character and I loved her Big Book of Life Plans. Her romance with Dean was sweet and I enjoyed their tension and banter. I loved the bond she forms with the Osborne family and I’m so glad she had them because everyone she was with on the spa trip was insufferable.

The remote mountain spa with no cell service was the perfect setting for a murder mystery and I loved following along as Jess tried to balance her job with solving the murders. The whodunnit was a surprise and I enjoyed the additional reveals at the end.

If you like murder mysteries with a dash of romance, you should definitely pick this up!

A Proposal to Die For is an entertaining mystery with a great premise that immediately draws you in. The characters are, for the most part, well-developed and easy to connect with, which makes the story even more engaging. While some sections move a little too quickly—leaving things feeling slightly discombobulated—it doesn’t take away too much from the overall enjoyment. The pacing might have benefitted from a bit more breathing room in places, but the plot keeps you hooked. What really stands out is the twist—I absolutely loved that I couldn’t guess the killer. It’s rare to be so genuinely surprised in a mystery, and that made the reveal all the more satisfying. Overall, it’s a fun, fast-paced read with plenty of charm and intrigue.

This book was an absolute blast. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. Every chapter ends with something that made me want to keep reading just one more, so the pacing was awesome.

I loved Jessamine as a main character. She’s organized and clever but also really funny and relatable. Her lists and inner thoughts had me laughing out loud more than once. The whole idea of a proposal planner getting caught up in a murder mystery is just so smart and fun. It made everything feel fresh and different from other cozy mysteries I’ve read.

The mystery itself was fun and not too challenging. The setting? A fancy retreat in the mountains with weird spa rules, no cell service and a warning to avoid the woods? Yes please. Total locked room mystery vibes.

Also, Dean the chef was such a great character. Grumpy, mysterious, charming in a quiet way. I loved every scene he was in.

A Proposal to Die For by Molly Harper is an enjoyable mix of a thriller with a strong romance, with people dying at a luxurious retreat, that kept me guessing until the very end.

Jessamine Bricker is the owner and mastermind of Bricker Consultants, Inc., a proposal planning business. A workaholic, shed is known for her diligently planned events where the potential groom can ultimately surprise his (or her) future mate with a spectacularly one of its kind proposal. However, planning for her latest client could be the death of her. Jess was approached by a former schoolmate, Diana, who was disappointed by the way her boyfriend Trenton Tillard the Fourth proposed. Believing she’s a social media influencer, Diana didn't find his sincere proposal acceptable to her brand. Despite the fact that Jess has no love for the snobby Diana, the opportunity to make enough money to buy the building where she lives and works tempts her. Diana wants Jess to come up with a high end event that can be viewed by all. Unfortunately for Jess, this planning time includes a week long retreat with Diana, her cousin, Kiki, and her wedding planner at an exclusive spa retreat in the mountains of Tennessee. Jess immediately knows upon arrival that this isn't going to be a relaxing time.

The Golden Ash resort has no internet or cell phone connection, annoying and angering Diana. Jess finds herself trying to stay sane and calm despite Diana's outrageous demands and the wedding planner's complaints; finding refuge with the Osbournes, who own and run the spa. Jess and grumpy executive chef, Dean Osbourne are attracted to each other and becoming involved. She is going to need Dean and his cousins after finding the body of a guest drowned in a meditation pool. When Trenton and his two best buddies arrive at the spa more chaos ensues. Jess then discovers the body of Clay, Trenton's best friend who was going to be the best man, in the sauna room. Jess is starting to think that there might be something much more dangerous going on than just having to deal with Diana's pouting. As deadly secrets unfold, Jess must figure out the mystery before her plans are permanently canceled.

This was an enjoyable story with a wonderful mix of humor, mystery, and suspense. It kept me engaged from start to finish, and I loved how the author balanced the lighthearted moments with the darker twists. If you’re looking for a fun, quick read with a unique mystery, this one is definitely worth picking up.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #Berkley # AProposalToDieFor

4 1/2 stars

I can’t think of too many things in the book world that I love more than quirky characters. Maybe that’s because they tend to be more human and more like people I would normally hang out with. Which leads me to always being delighted when Molly Harper introduces us to a new world and her trademark quirky characters.

In A Proposal to Die For Jessamine is a marriage proposal planner (Is there such a thing? Of course, there is! 🤨) who specializes in creating memorable, one-of-a-kind proposals. When old school mate Diana’s proposal isn’t up to picture-worthy influencer status, she highjacks Jess, dangles a huge sum of money before her that could allow Jess to secure her future, and drags her to an exclusive mountain spa where a proper proposal could conceivably occur. Murder, some mayhem, and a romance with a sexy, seemingly grumpy, chef ensue.

Harper fills A Proposal to Die For with lots of humor and witty banter while also giving the reader a mystery with turns so twisty that the “bad guy” isn’t immediately obvious, which is exactly what you want in a mystery! While Diana and her influencer status can be a pill, she’s a necessary foil to the earthy, good-humored Jess.

The Osborne family reminds me a bit of the McCready family from one of my favorite Harper series, Southern Eclectic (which I still need to re-read because: *feels* (sigh)) with their multi-generational quirky family and unique way of getting things done while their feet never leave the earth. On that note, I hope that we get to see more of the Osbornes in future books.

If you’re looking for a cozy, funny mystery that’s slightly off-beat, here you go.

Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy.

Thank NetGalley and Berkley for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review!

When I saw that this book was being touted as “perfect for fans of the mysteries of Jesse Q. Sutanto” I knew I needed to read it immediately!

In this book Jess runs a proposal planning business, and her most lucrative job is suddenly threatened by a dead body popping up! Jess has to figure out a way to salvage the proposal… and possibly find a murderer!

…but this isn’t just a murder mystery, it’s also a romance!

The isolated setting and group of lovable side characters kept the story flowing, and I really enjoyed myself.

Occasionally the banter fell a little flat for me, but overall, I’d absolutely recommend this one - it would make for a great beach read this summer… but I’m not sure if I’d bring this one to the spa with me!

Available NOW 📕🛒

SUGGESTED SNACK PAIRING: cheeseburgers

“He lifted the cloche to reveal the most beautiful cheeseburger she'd ever seen, on a perfectly grilled, butter-soaked brioche bun. Thick-cut bacon peeked flirtatiously from under the lettuce and tomato, and Jess could just make out the golden edges of a fried egg.”

Triggers: murder, abandonment, bullying, infidelity, injury detail, alcohol addiction

A Proposal to Die For by Molly Harper is an intriguing cozy mystery with humor & a dash of romance set on a remote resort with no cell phone service & a group of secrets.

A Proposal to Die For is great for those looking to read…
🌷Cozy Mystery
🌷Dash of Romance
🌷Amateur Sleuth
🌷Proposal Planner
🌷Remote Resort Setting

This book is brisk paced that picks up as the story & suspense moves along. It is also quick witted & easy to be entertained with. I appreciated the remote resort setting, the interesting group & the strong & realistic heroine that felt like someone I could be friends with. I live for the cozy mystery ripe with humor throughout that made me laugh.

If you are looking to get cozy with your next fun mystery read, I recommend A Proposal to Die For!

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Berkley Publishing for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

My thanks for the ARC goes NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Contemporary Mystery, Whodunnit
Spice Level: Nothing on the page
Language: Smattering of profanity
Representation: Gay side characters

A PROPOSAL TO DIE FOR, a "locked-room" mystery serves up delicious meals, a gorgeous setting, and murder.

What an interesting cast of characters:

- Privileged almost fianceé
- The golden retriever
- Jaded, grumpy man
- Entrepreneur
- Catty woman
- Close family
- The Cassanova
- The misunderstood woman

And more!

I was really questioning through the entire book who was guilty of the crime. And then the second body appeared! Then I was even more confused. I did finally guess whodunnit, but I didn't see the twist...
Will you?

Bonus: There's a romance.

Happy (sleuthing) reading!

Jessamine Bricker is a proposal planner and a far better person than me. The book opens with her getting manipulated into planning a social media worthy proposal for her high school nemesis who is dissatisfied with the actual proposal her wealthy long time beau executed on his own. Nothing screams BRIDEZILLA quite like a future bride who cares more about the optics than the marriage and Diana takes horrid to new heights. As if that’s of enough, Diana’s wedding planner is actually more awful than the soon-to-be bride.

Our heroine, Jess, is forced to spend a week at a remote spa with these two queens of toxicity. It can’t get worse, right? Wrong! When one of the other spa guests turns up dead, Jess has both a proposal to plan and a mysterious death to solve. There’s a silver lining though — Jess might just have stumbled upon her own romantic story.

A PROPOSAL TO DIE FOR is full of snark and big time fun. It’s absurd and totally draws the reader in. You just can’t look away because the next WTH moment might be waiting for you to turn the page. Part mystery and part romance, Molly Barker’s novel is a total riot.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I had a great time reading A Proposal to Die For from beginning to end. I loved our MC Jess and her wedding proposal business. I love Jess's sarcasm and sass when dealing with Diana, who is acting like... whatever the equivalent of a bridezilla is. And whenever she interacts with grumpy chef Dean, well, it just made me smile and totally ship them getting together.

When we arrived at the Golden Ash Resort and met the Ozborns, it felt a bit like we were dropped into an established series in the best way. I loved their dynamics with each other and with Jess once she stumbles across the body.. well, the first one anyway. I thought the mystery was well plotted and I had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed,

I think this is a standalone, but if we got more, either with the Ozbornes, the Golden Ash Resort, or even better, following Jess and Dea,n I would definitely pick it up.

Whimsical, engaging, and satisfying!

A Proposal to Die For is a well-paced, amusing murder mystery that takes you into the life of Jessamine Bricker, a young woman who, after a high school classmate she never really liked hires her to plan her engagement proposal, finds her life turned upside down when while at a pre-wedding retreat, more than one person winds up dead.

The writing is playful and light. The characters are inquisitive, clever, and determined. And the plot is a delightful mix of misdirection, deduction, clues, suspects, mishaps, drama, amateur sleuthing, and murder.

Overall, A Proposal to Die For is a humorous, charming, quirky whodunit by Harper that is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a fun, lighthearted read.

I wanted to enjoy this more but I felt a bit of a disconnect with the story and characters. The entire premise was awesome. Small town/spa retreat murder mystery? Sign me up. Definitely didn’t see the twists coming, and for that I’m grateful.

Let’s talk characters. First, we have Jess, the proposal planner. I enjoyed her witty moments and humor. Dean was a cute touch, however, felt completely unnecessary. All of the side characters had their own personalities and were decently done. And with the amount of characters, I’d say that’s a big feat.

As for the storyline.. it started off a bit slow and boring, but eventually got interestingly better. I do think the “romance” aspect of the story was completely unnecessary and didn’t feel very genuine. That’s unfortunate.

It was overall a decent story with decent characters and dialogue. Keep in mind this is my own personal thoughts on this book. Just because it isn’t my cup of tea, doesn’t mean it won’t be someone else’s.

3.5stars-A PROPOSAL TO DIE FOR by Molly Harper, is a contemporary, adult, cozy murder-mystery focusing on former wedding planner turned proposal planner Jessamine Bricker.

Told from omniscient third person perspective (Jess) A PROPOSAL TO DIE FOR follows Jessamine Bricker as she is contracted by a former school mate and bully to plan the perfect influencer proposal for Diana Helston. Diana’s fiancé had previously proposed but Diana didn’t think her followers would accept such a lackluster event. Discovering Jessamine Bricker, a former school mate is working as a proposal planner, Diana tasked Jess with organizing the perfect proposal party in the Tennessee Mountains Resort and Spa The Golden Ash but from the outset everything went wrong, and Jessamine Bricker found herself in the middle of a double murder investigation, and the third potential victim of a psychotic mind. Old money, fragile egos, infidelity, extortion, jealousy and lost love became the focus of a week long retreat when the Helston, Tillard and Osborne families clashed in the wake of memories from the past.

There is a building romance and relationship between Jessamine Bricker and chef Dean Osborne. Dean lost his soul mate years before but our hero saw something in Jess he wanted until the end of time. There are no $ex scenes.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, sassy and somewhat questionable and toxic secondary and supporting characters including the Osborne siblings who own The Gold Ash: Jonquil, Poppy, and head chef Dean; the spa legal counsel Beth; Poppy’s husband Owen, and their cousin Sis: bride to be and influencer Diana Helston, and her fiancé, heir to the Tillard Pecan family Trenton Tillard, his best friend Chad Hardcastle, and Chad’s uncle and attorney Sev Hardcastle, wedding planner Aubrey, Diana’s cousin Kiki; spa guests Mr and Mrs. Jeremy and Susan Treadaway, assistant chef Jamie, and Sheriff Turnbow aka Blister.

A PROPOSAL TO DIE FOR is a story of secrets and lies, money and power, madness and murder, family and relationships. The slow building premise is intriguing and entertaining but the proverbial meat of the story doesn’t happen until about half way through; the romance is subtle; the characters are charismatic and energetic.



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Proposal To Die For

I went into this pretty blind & I’m glad I did! A Proposal to Die For has a little bit of everything & I really enjoyed it!

🔪murder mystery
👨🏻‍🍳family drama
💍old money privilege
🔪romance
👨🏻‍🍳found family
💍retreat setting
🔪bridezilla
👨🏻‍🍳mean girls
💍proposal planning

This was such a fun book! Jess is a proposal planner…usually hiding in the background of extravagant proposals. But now she’s front & center as a guest of the “soon-be-fiancé” at a wellness retreat.
I thought this was funny, I enjoyed the mystery part & the romance totally surprised me! Well done!

This was very entertaining, I really enjoyed it. The story was interesting and kept me hooked. The murder mystery element was fantastic and had me playing detective the whole time. While Dean and Jess’s blossoming relationship wasn’t a major part of the story, it was still really well done.

This is such a fun book! Perfect combo of romance and mystery! I really like Molly’s writing style! Jess the fmc feels so real! All of the characters have great development! Would love to see this as a series! I overall really enjoyed this fast paced easy fun read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for and arc of this book!