Last-Minute Proposal

Tilly got roped into a charity fund raiser and now she is on a cliff roped to this handsome, outdoorsy Marine type man scared out of her wits. Campbell cannot believe his partner for this game is so, well, feminine. She sure feels nice against his body but that is no way to win the race, and for him, winning is the ultimate goal! Nothing else matters. When the next stage of game takes another turn, will Campbell be able to put his manly exterior aside to work with Tilly? Will these two opposites somehow come together? Can they deny their sizzling attraction? Outside of the game, can two people with such different lives and goals come together for more than a quick romance? I just love Jessica Hart's writing and LAST-MINUTE PROPSOSAL, her 50th book, a pure delight. I could not put it down. The hero and heroine are fantastic, plain and simple --- and even better when Jessica Hart puts them together. The vivacious Tilly is full of energy and spunk with a big heart. Campbell is all business with a powerful body to match, a man of honor who provides support in tense moments, but when called on to improvise, especially for the woman he loves, Campbell has just as much determination along with a romantic heart and flexibility to adapt to surprises put before him. Campbell knows how to come up with a surprise or two himself! Jessica Hart's setting, the game, brings out the best in her characters as each episode places one in the other's familiar terrain. The game takes all the best from reality television while end goals for each character reveal the hearts of both Tilly sand Campbell outside the game. Jessica Hart's characterization and depiction of the interactions in human relationships makes the game feel both real and delightfully humorous, unlike my past favorite reality shows that have become more self-centered PR and less and less satisfying. Jessica Hart makes the game more exciting, intimate and uplifting, as the game focuses on the interactions between players. Quite simply, her players are characters to love and the setting of each episode reveals their hearts, their strengths and their ability to work together. A wonderful surprise ending to the game puts a smile in the heart on the last page. LAST-MINUTE PROPOSAL is a bit lighter in tone than Jessica Hart's two previous books, every bit as wonderful. LAST-MINUTE PROPOSAL is an absolute reading treat. Jessica Hart has a way of writing that captivates no matter what kind of story she tells. Jessica Hart romances delight with her insights into the human heart. In words, characters, dialog, scenes and conflicts, Jessica Hart tells a story that opens the hearts of her characters and the reader. What a wonderful way to celebrate 50 books with her readers! LAST-MINUTE PROPOSAL is a romance that readers will hold in their hearts long after the last page.

Since being dumped by her ex-fiancé Tilly Jenkins has lived a nice safe existence focusing on crafting cakes into works of arts for various events. So how is it she finds herself hanging off the side of a cliff depending on a man she barely knows to ensure her safety and the entire event is being videotaped? Well, her twin brothers thought it would be a good idea to sign her up to participate in a job-swap for charity - they just neglected to tell her until the last minute. Campbell Sanderson is extremely competent and determined to win the competition. There's just the little issue of being saddled with Tilly who balks at every little physical activity. At first her discomfort and worry are annoying but as they conquer each obstacle her upbeat sense of humor and chatter begins to endear her to him. He hadn't intended to be a participant in this competition but when one of the contestants broke his leg Campbell was talked into taking his place. Tilly and Campbell are polar opposites. He's all rugged, hard edges with a single-minded determination. She's a fun caring woman who thinks of others before herself and couldn't care less about winning. The prize would go a long way toward helping the local hospice and so she suffers through the grueling challenges presented to them on the Scottish terrain. Of course Campbell's fully in his element, but turn about is fair play. The next stage of the competition involves Campbell stepping `into Tilly's shoes' and making a cake for a special event. Campbell's completely out of his element but he's positive it can't be that difficult. The attraction between them that began during the first challenge soon become obvious but neither of them is prepared to cave into their desires. Campbell has taken a job in the U.S. and will be leaving as soon as the competition is over and Tilly has her business and brothers to think of - a relationship between them is out of the question. Still, happily ever after may not be feasible but is there anything wrong with allowing themselves one night of loving? With her 50th release Jessica Hart delivers exactly the sort of storyline that has endeared her to readers worldwide. LAST-MINUTE PROPOSAL captured my attention from the very first page and kept me riveted through to the very end. These characters quickly began to feel like beloved friends and I found myself laughing and crying along with them. I love a story that `speaks' to my emotional side and LAST-MINUTE PROPOSAL certainly delivered on that level. One of the things I especially loved about this story is Campbell and Tilly's reactions to each other and how their differences provide such a fascinating contrast. LAST-MINUTE PROPOSAL is a fun opposites attract story that I could easily read over and over -definitely a book I'll be making space for on the keeper shelf. Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)