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The Proposal (The Westmorelands #21)

4.21 of 5 stars 4.21 · rating details · 316 ratings · 29 reviews

The moment he met Bella Bostwick, Jason Westmoreland wanted her--and the land she'd inherited. With one convenient proposal, he could have the Southern beauty in his bed and her birthright in his hands. If only Bella would say yes....

ebook, 192 pages

Published June 1st 2011 by Harlequin Desire (first published 2011)

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Feb 17, 2012 Stilwaterz rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Oh, Ms Jackson! These Westmoreland men don't stop ... making me weak! Jason Westmoreland is laid back but just as hot and yummy as his brothers and cousins. One look at southern Bella Bostwick and he knew he had to have her and her adjoining ranch. What began as a business proposal quickly dissolved into a long term love affair.

Bella suddenly learns she owns a ranch in Montana. Montana! It is love at first sight --- quite different from Savannaha. Finally, she can enjoy her new found independenc...more

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Jul 29, 2011 Book Binge Blog rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, harlequin, for-review, western

Brenda Jackson has written over 20 novels about the Westmorelands--the Atlanta, Washington, D. C, Colorado, and Montana Westmorelands--a prolific, generous, and hugely successful African-American family who have managed to make their mark on every community in which they have resided. This present story takes place in and around Denver, Colorado, featuring one of the cousins that is being highlighted in a series about this branch of the family. Jason is in his early 30's, a successful rancher wh...more Brenda Jackson has written over 20 novels about the Westmorelands--the Atlanta, Washington, D. C, Colorado, and Montana Westmorelands--a prolific, generous, and hugely successful African-American family who have managed to make their mark on every community in which they have resided. This present story takes place in and around Denver, Colorado, featuring one of the cousins that is being highlighted in a series about this branch of the family. Jason is in his early 30's, a successful rancher who is running a horse training and breeding center with his cousins and brothers, and who is very happy with his life as it is. His property butts up against Harlan Bostwick who has recently died and whose property has now been willed to his granddaughter, Bella--a granddaughter who didn't even know he existed and who has lived under the thumb of her Savannah, Georgia parents for the entirety of her 25 years. Inheriting this property now gives Bella an unexpected opportunity to live on her own and carve out her future according to her own hopes and plans, rather than acquiesing to the marriage plans of her parents.

Their attraction begins quietly with a chance meeting at a community gathering and almost as soon as she is introduced to Jason, Bella's great-uncle is dragging her away and filling the air around her with his negative comments about the Westmorelands in general and Jason in particular. Their friendship grows as Jason visits Bella at her granddad's ranch with offers any good neighbor would make, but it is within that context that not only do they become better friends, but they find their attraction growing to rather sizeable proportions.

Bella's refusal to return to Savannah angers her controlling parents and thanks to their diligence and that of a bastion of attorneys on their payroll, they find a way to cut off her trust fund payments, hoping to squelch any plans she has to remain in Colorado. Thus, Jason make his proposal: marry him and thus free up her money, become co-owner of her ranch, and become the owner of her prize stallion--a horse only Jason can handle anyway. No matter how Bella thinks it through, it appears that is the only solution if she wants to maintain her independence from her parents. One further problem: she is falling in love with Jason fully aware that he has put a 12 month limitation on their marriage. Not only that, but she thinks she has become pregnant.

Now this is not a unique plot nor is it an unusual twist in a romantic novel. What shine through here are the personalities of the characters--Bella's independent nature, her refinement and manners, her open acceptance of the Westmoreland family members as neighbors and soon-to-be friends, her willingness to be a friend as well as receive them, and the cohesion of this enormous family with all its ups and downs, its steady family men and the I-don't-even-want-to-think-about-getting-married brothers and cousins, the women who are willing to speak up and out, and the evident affection and loyalty that binds them all together. It is a deep sense of goodness about all these people--individuals we would all be proud to call friends--that is characteristic of Brenda Jackson stories about this family. Bella, an only child, shuttled here and there by parents who were more interested in their own lives than in her, is drawn to them like a moth to the flame, and this, as well as her financial woes, makes marrying Jason something she can feel OK about. That they light up the skies in the bedroom doesn't hurt, either.

I am a huge Brenda Jackson fan there hasn't been a single one of her novels that I haven't liked. That being said, there are some that I think stand out a bit more than this one does. This novel is a comfortable, heart-warming kind of story that has its share of tension and crisis, but in the long haul, it is about two people who ultimately manage to find their way forward, not only solving Bella's financial situation and securing her independence, but finding their way toward each other.

This is a really nice book, with an entertaining sense about it, and with the requisite happy ending. There are some surprises and twists, but they are not overwhelming and all in all, this is just a really engaging story that can fill a summer evening or engage the mind beside the pool. I know that I enjoyed it a lot and was pleased to be able to read it. Ms Jackson's writing expertise has a way of taking a really ordinary story and turning it into a piece of very entertaining romance fiction. And she has set the standard for many writers, not only in the African-American community, but throughout the romance fiction writers' world. There's lots to like here.

I give it a rating of 4 out of 5.

This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Judith.
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Jun 08, 2011 Judith rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As a huge Brenda Jackson fan, I always enjoy her writing although I don't think there was the level of intensity in this novel that I have encountered in some of her other works. Yet Jason Westmoreland is a man who seems comfortable in his skin, likes his life, and isn't really "on the make" in any way. Yet the Southern belle, Ms Bella, sets his teeth on edge in a very good way right from their first introduction, and the attraction seems to keep growing. That they became friends first was very...more

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May 14, 2012 Patrice rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-books-read, a-z-reading-challenge

I liked the way Ms Jackson portrayed her 2 main characters in this book. Bella Bostwick, a sheltered, only child, finds herself the recipient of an inheritance from a Grandfather she never knew existed. She meets Jason Westmoreland at a charity event, while accompanied there by her uncle. Bella and Jason have an instant attraction. I like how the relationship between these two develops and I appreciate the fact that Bella was strong enough and Jason gentleman enough not to act impulsively on the...more

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Jun 15, 2011 Ceej rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: westmoreland-family, brenda-jackson, 2011

I love the Westmorelands!! I remember reading a A Little Dareand loving it but I wasn't hooked until The Chase Is On (Silhouette Desire). I had a bunch of books to hunt down and I fell even more in love with what I think of as the epitome of being a man. I live in Atlanta and I'm wondering, where's my Westmoreland???

I was pleased and ecstatic to be introduced to Jason. Jason kind of reminds me of Quade and Ian. He has Ian's intensity but Quade's charm and easy going persona. Like all the Westmor...more

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Oct 02, 2012 ☂ ℬrandi rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporaries, french-novels, harlequin-desire, read-in-2012

Savannah Belle, Elizabeth (Bella) Bostwick has inherited her late grandfather's land and prized stallion Hercules. Her new ranch connects to Jason Westmoreland's and like everyone else he has shown interest in purchasing the land and Hercules. Despite her family's opposition Bella is determined to make this ranch her home. Her parents are livid and demand she return to Savannah and marry a wealthy local, and live they life they planned for her. Her uncle is bitter than she didn't sell the land t...more

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Oct 19, 2011 Toni rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, romance

I just inhale these Westmoreland novels! LOL! And now that there is a Denver branch of the family, there are more stories to be told.

Brenda Bostwick is a pampered Southern belle raised in Savannah. The only family she has ever known are her parents, so she is surprised to learn that not only did her grandfather just pass away, but that he has left her his ranch outside Denver. Needing to spread her wings, much to her parent's dismay, she decides to accept the challenge of running a horse ranch.
W...more

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May 05, 2013 L.M. David rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the first book in this series of the Westmoreland family I have read but not the first in the series. I don't necessarily hate romance stories but after reading several, it seems to be an ongoing theme with this genre that seems totally boilerplate. More often than not, its love at first sight, the sex is totally mind blowing/off the chart and happens either with blinding speed or within the first one hundred pages of the novel. It is a genre that seems to enjoy glamourizing the "package...more This is the first book in this series of the Westmoreland family I have read but not the first in the series. I don't necessarily hate romance stories but after reading several, it seems to be an ongoing theme with this genre that seems totally boilerplate. More often than not, its love at first sight, the sex is totally mind blowing/off the chart and happens either with blinding speed or within the first one hundred pages of the novel. It is a genre that seems to enjoy glamourizing the "package heavy" males, the innocent albeit combative women they confess to loving at first sight but are too brain damaged to admit it to the women until the story is almost done. The guys (in particular the Western Themes) are forever rescuing their "loves" from baddies. It seems all Romance Writers make their heroine get on their "tiptoes" to kiss skyscraper tall males or arch their backs into it when making love. I challenge readers to find one book that doesn't mention one or the other or both those descriptions. I also find it difficult to believe black men enjoy performing oral sex on black women but concede there maybe some who do but I'm guessing they keep it on the down low because none I dated did that. Bottom line, when you have read one romance book, you've basically read them all and this story is not the exception. I could not envision what the main characters looked like except both were black, Westmoreland was gentle as well as somewhat pushy, Bella had snooty family members and Jason had a family large enough to fill a football stadium. The two married to keep her from losing her trust fund, determined it would be a one year marriage of convenience before tying the knot yet hit the sheets to consummate it hours after saying their "I do's". There won't be an annulment in the cards for these two. What annoyed me the most was the lack of qualities in the main characters. There was nothing endearing about either of them but I still gave it three stars because the character Jason wasn't a total loss -- he didn't cheat on her. (less)

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Jun 25, 2011 Lady Raven RAVE! rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: african-amer-romance, brenda-jackson

After coming off the high of Silken Thread & A Wife for a Westmoreland I was looking forward to The Proposal. I'm a Huge fan of Brenda Jackson but this one didn't draw me in like the others it was a good read with a good storyline but felt it was missing that spark I get from reading one of the author's books or reading about a Westmoreland.

Although I love the series of the Westmorelands at one point in the book Jason was telling Bella that the family hired a detective to see if there where...more

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Feb 24, 2013 Tanya Mayes rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: harlequin-desire

love this book. love Jason and Bella. I love how after meeting jason the strong attraction wss there and Bella a Southern Belle remained true to her upbringing. Jason gave her a proposal to narry him that she couldn't resist. She accepted and was a virgin on her wedding night. Even though Jason gave her a little preview of what was to come. love the protectiveness of all the Westmirelands. This was a really enjoyable read check it out.

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May 23, 2012 Julie Barrett rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Proposal by Brenda jackson
This book of the series is about Jason Westmoreland who owns a horse ranch.
He meets up with Elizabeth Boatswick who has just lost her grandfather and others are consoling her and other family members at a charity he had started.
She does not want to lose the ranch nor the horse so maybe she will just have to run the place herself.

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Jun 25, 2011 Shonnie rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-book

This is the first time its taken new weeks to finish a new Brenda Jackson book. I felt it was to predictably. Like it was a combination of the other Westmoreland series. I'm also feeling the young (barely out of her teens) virgin is overdone. We need something new and fresh from the Westmoreland clan. Otherwise I'm gonna have to bypass any future novels by this author (who use to be one of my favorites).

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Feb 08, 2012 Brandi rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Another decent Westmoreland book....glad to see that this family is so prolific but I would like one of these books to WOW me like the first one's did. I think an issue with a large series is that, you see te same characters in each book, so their stories seem obvious to you. Howver, I do see great potenial for Bane's story.

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Nov 12, 2012 Leatha Writes rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Loved Jason and Bella's story. Their story was so sweet and passionate at the same time. Jason was strong and I just loved how he took charge and took care of Bella. Bella who to me seemed lost and kinda unrealistic but with Jason by her side seemed more real. I love this family. Oh Mrs. Jackson bring them on.

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Oct 08, 2011 Dee rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: author-brenda-jackson, harlequin, harlequin-desire

I thought this book was ok but definately felt like something was missing!

This really didn't 'feel' like a Brenda Jackson novel. Ms Jackson's writing is very distinctive and I usually love her material especially the Westmorelands but really felt this was like many other Harlequin novels and could have easily been written by anybody. I suppose with this many in a series I am bound to come across some that I don't like or not overly impressed with :( The storyline was ok but I really didn't feel...more

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May 22, 2011 Harlequin Books added it · review of another edition

Shelves: harlequin_desire, 2011

Miniseries: The Westmorelands

"It was a fun quick read. ... I enjoyed seeing these two fall in love." from a review posted by an eHarlequin.com member, to read more go here.

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Jul 23, 2011 Patriciaw rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Another hot, sexy read from Brenda Jackson. Jason Westmoreland and Bella Bostwick come together over her inherited land and horse, despite opposition from her family. Can't go wrong with a Brenda Jackson read, although recently they tend to have a little too much backstory in the beginning and a few too obvious seeds for books to come.

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May 11, 2011 Mzpastrychef rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love the Westmoreland Series.. This book was not as good as the others as far as the story goes but it was still a great read... I like the fact that now we are getting stories for all of the Westmorelands in the different states!

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Sep 22, 2012 Dorel Anderson rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First of all, I would like to say that I have enjoyed all the Westmoreland books. This book could hae been better. I thought the storyline was too boring and dry. I feel the main characters should have been developed more.

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Apr 23, 2011 Laura YA indie princess rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Awesome story I love Brenda Jackson writing style and will be reading whatever books she release next. I really like Bella and her voice and where can I find a cowboy just like Jason.

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May 19, 2012 Melody rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Same ole, same ole. No surprises. They meet, they hate each other, they wonder why they are always thinking about the other and then they get together. Blah blah blah.

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May 16, 2011 Angelia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: i-own

I enjoyed Jason and Bella's story......it was much better than the last one at least to me....A very quick read but Jason is a Westmoreland man with a plan to get the woman he wants.....

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May 11, 2012 Gail rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Apr 06, 2012 Ladyacct rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: shorts

I thought it should be 3.5/5 stars and the hero was sweet and nobody's dummy. Very good Ms. Jackson.

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Jun 09, 2011 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: african-american-romance, own

I really enjoyed it. If you're looking for a really sweet love story, this it.

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Jun 30, 2011 Shone rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: yes

Jason, got everything he wanted in his proposal.

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Feb 01, 2013 Acoleman rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Love the series

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Sep 24, 2012 Jennifer Banks-milbry added it · review of another edition

Great Read

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Feb 02, 2013 LaTonya rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved Jason Westmoreland and I really enjoyed this story. Great romance and great read!

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Aug 20, 2012 Angela rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Very cliched romance novel.

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About Brenda Jackson

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Brenda Jackson was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She got married to Gerald, her high school sweetheart, in 1972 after graduating from high school. She went on to earn a degree in business administration from Jacksonville University, and to expand their family by having two sons, Gerald Jr. and Brando...more Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Brenda Jackson was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She got married to Gerald, her high school sweetheart, in 1972 after graduating from high school. She went on to earn a degree in business administration from Jacksonville University, and to expand their family by having two sons, Gerald Jr. and Brandon.

To relieve job-related stress in the early 1990s, Jackson began reading romance novels. Although she enjoyed the novels, she was dissatisfied with the lack of cultural and ethnic diversity in the characters. After complaining to her husband that she could do better, he registered her for a romance writers conference and encouraged her to try her hand at writing. At the conference, Jackson met then-unpublished authors Francis Ray and Rochelle Alers and became inspired to write.[1]

Jackson was determined to write novels that are multicultural romances, featuring African-American characters, that "convey the belief that love is every[where]."[2] Her first novel, Tonight and Forever was published in 1995.[2] This and the next few books followed the fictional Madaris brothers, giving Jackson an opportunity to portray professional African-American men who were both "appreciative and respectful of women."[1] Her heroes are in many ways inspired by her husband, whom she considers to be "a very strong African-American male [who] is supportive and centers his life around his family."[1]

In 2001, Jackson released her first mainstream women's fiction novel, A Family Reunion. As with her previous romance novels, this book contains a "sexy spark,"as well as Jackson's familiar "polished and confident" writing style, which allows her "characters [to] burst with color right off the page." The following year, in 2002, she became the first African-American author to have a novel published as part of the Silhouette Desire line.

Despite publishing 11 books in the first ten years of her writing career, as of 2005, Jackson considers writing to be her hobby, and she continues to work full-time as a manager at State Farm Insurance.

Throughout her writing career, Jackson has written for several publishers, including St.Martins Press, BET, Kensington, NAL, Harlequin/Silhouette and Harlequin Kimani Romance.

RT's Career Achievement Best Author Award winner (2010) for Series Romance.
RT's Career Achievment Best Author Award winner (2011) for Contemporary Romance.
2012 RWA Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

(Taken from Wikipedia)

http://us.macmillan.com/author/brenda...(less)

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The Proposal (The Westmorelands #21)

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