Bella Bostwick inherits a large ranch and horses from the grandfather she never knew she had. Jason Westmoreland, neighbor to Bella's grandfather, wants both. To help her hold on to her inheritance, he offers her a proposition: marry him. But will Bella say yes?

Brenda Jackson is one of the best authors of Black romance ever. She has created several interconnected families which have spawned many, many books. In THE PROPOSAL, Jackson continues the story of the Denver Westmorelands. Jason is a hero's hero, all rugged hunk, compassionate gentleman and sexy lover. Bella can't help but be attracted to him. For her part, Bella matches Jason in every category except that of a loving family. It's the one thing she doesn't have, but Jason can offer in spades.

There are many things to love about a Brenda Jackson novel, all of which are present in THE PROPOSAL. An irresistible hero. An admirable, strong woman. A twisting, turning plot. Hot, hot sex scenes. These are the things that always leave her fans clamoring for more. But I've noticed in her more recent novels that the early chapters seem to get bogged down a bit in explaining the connection between the current characters and those in the myriad of books that came before. Then too, the seeds planted for future books in later chapters have become a bit too obvious. If I didn't know in the end I would be more than satisfied, I might stop reading. I never do, though. Not a Brenda Jackson novel. Because I know, regardless of whatever minor disappointment I might have, the book is sure to become another favorite Jackson read.

In THE PROPOSAL, what distinguishes Jason and Bella's story from others is that they hit it off right from the beginning. The majority of their challenges are external. It's almost a "we" against the world type of story with the large Westmoreland clan as their only allies. The love scenes are delicious, and the ways in which Bella and Jason thwart their opposition are fun.

Bring on the next Westmoreland novel, Ms. Jackson.