This is a tough review to write because I have genuinely enjoyed so many of Samantha Chase's books in the past, including the earlier books in this series. Unfortunately, "The Proposal Playbook" didn't work for me. I think the biggest problem was that I didn't like or connect with the female lead character, wedding planner Daisy Sinclair. I'm not sure how old she was supposed to be, but Daisy came across as incredibly immature to me. I particularly disliked her judgy, know-it-all attitude about romance and criticisms of other people's proposals. Just because the proposals didn't seem romantic to her didn't mean that there wasn't a special meaning behind them for the couples involved. Further, Daisy seemed to lose her temper over every little thing, especially with her love interest, Xander Madden. It drove me crazy when she would get mad and yell at him over some perceived slight, but then refuse to let him respond. They won't have much of a relationship if they can't communicate, and Daisy didn't seem to be very good at it.
Unfortunately, that wasn't my only problem with Xander and Daisy's relationship. I had whiplash from how fast things went back and forth between them. They really couldn't seem to decide if they loved or hated each other. I also had a tough time believing that Xander turned into a relationship guy overnight. He had some pretty deep-seated issues from when his parents split, and I don't think a single conversation with his father would be enough to fix that. Finally, I was bothered by all the mentions of Xander's "unsavory" reputation, presumably referring to his past preference for casual flings over serious relationships. Describing him that way made it sound like he was in the mob or something. More importantly, however, if his business partners didn't like or "approve" of him because of his reputation, why were they friends with him and why would they go into business with him?
As I said before, I've enjoyed many of Samantha Chase's previous books, and I remain a fan even though this one didn't work for me. However, it may be a good fit for other fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope. I look forward to Chase's next release.
*Review copy provided by the author via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own.
About "The Proposal Playbook"
The Proposal Playbook by Samantha Chase is now live!
He's a former Navy SEAL from the school of hard knocks.
She's a cheery wedding planner writing a guide to happily ever afters.
Who knew cupid's arrow could come in the form of a five-pound bag of flour?
When Daisy Sinclair gleefully offers to help her brother come up with the perfect proposal, she has no idea how time-consuming the project will become. Or, how it would make her the target of mockery from one rather grumpy former SEAL. Xander thinks he's got her all figured out. She is determined to prove him wrong. Just because she's more cheer than sneer doesn't give him the right to pass judgment on her.
As the son of a woman who walked away from her family, Xander Madden believes he's destined to follow in her footsteps. Which makes Daisy's ridiculously chipper ramblings about the wonders of love all the more irritating. Still, there's something about her that he can't ignore. Although... he probably should, considering every time he opens his mouth, he says the wrong thing.
Just when Xander thinks he can avoid the trappings of her sunny disposition, Daisy smacks him with a five-pound bag of flour and suddenly she's all he can think about. The pair have nothing in common except an undeniable attraction. Is a future for them possible when Daisy's looking for forever and Xander can't even commit to tomorrow?
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