I thought this would be a cute, over the top, "idiots to lovers" trope book, and it was certainly all of those things, but it was also incredibly angsty and filled with emotions. I loved the representation of Han as a queer, autistic, and an undocumented immigrant, it's refreshing to see intersectional characters that feel fully fleshed out, and the representation here felt like it was done really well.

The only character who felt somewhat one dimensional is Jackie, the villain. Jackie is described as a cartoon character villain girlfriend, and that's honestly what she feels like. She doesn't have many redeeming qualities, even when viewed from Kenny's perspective, which made her feel a bit flat. I couldn't understand her relationship with Kenny at all, and all the drama she caused dominated the story. I do wish there was a bit more room for Kenny to really process his freedom from her.

I wasn't a fan of the third act break up and how it played out, but then I almost never am! All of the plot drama is fairly over the top, but the emotions are evocative, and the book kept me hooked until the end (I stayed up until 1am reading it in a single sitting.)

In addition to the eARC, I was also granted the ALC from Forever and Hachette Audio (thanks to both!) and found the audiobook narrators to be perfect for these characters. They're both very emotive and sounded very true to life, the tone and mannerisms of each character were just perfect. I highly recommend the audio version of this book.

I expected a super cute MM rom-com and while it was, it was so much more than that. The story touched on a lot of really relevant issues. I was not expecting trigger warnings before the book started.

I loved all of the queer characters and people of color in the story. The queer community was represented well which is always so lovely to see.

I really enjoyed seeing Han's character grow and come into himself throughout the book.

I received an Audio copy of this for review. The narrators were great. The accents were perfect and they were really easy to understand at an increased speed.

Another fantastic queer book by Sonora Reyes. They manage to capture so much about what it’s like to be queer and also POC. I really enjoyed my time with these two MMC’s and seeing their story come together, bro!

Great narration love an own voices narrator!

This is the cutest best friends to lovers story. Both characters go through so much growth. Both characters are so special and unique. My heart is all the way touched.

Really important conversations about immigrant experiences too.

This novel offers a unique take on the “fake dating” romance trope. It will appeal to any reader of romance novels, queer literature, and/or novels that take on important issues. The narrators are engaging and believable as the main characters.

Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for this ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for this advanced copy! You can pick up The Broposal on January 21, 2025.

You might pick up this book and think "rom-com," but Sonora Reyes instead paints a heartbreaking picture of the struggles of domestic violence, homophobia, racism, and anti-immigration sentiments. However, she balances it with hopeful and beautiful messages about queer love and how the right partners can find their way together even through the most tumultuous circumstances.

I'll admit that it was difficult to pick up this book initially because Jackie and Kenny's relationship immediately set me on edge. I hated how she treated and talked to him, and being in his head was almost excruciating because I've seen what these relationships can do in real life. I've often been in Han's position, watching someone close to me put up with behavior I know they don't deserve. But personal experience aside, I respect how Reyes handled both Kenny and Han's growth throughout the book, especially as Kenny began taking care of and advocating for himself. Han also opened up and became so vulnerable with Kenny, expanding on the loving friendship they'd already established.

*Slight spoilers ahead*

Jackie coming back, saying she's pregnant, blackmailing Kenny, and just instigating their breakup made me so viscerally angry that I was tempted to throw my phone across the room. Her character was just the absolute worst, but it made Kenny standing up to her so satisfying at the very end. And seeing Han support him and stand up with him was even more of a gut punch (in the best way).

All in all, while some parts of this book were difficult to read, I still think a lot of readers will enjoy it and relate to these characters and their struggles. Kenny and Han are literal goals, and Leti was the best side character of all time.

3.5 rounded up

This was a raw, messy, friends to lovers, roommate planned marriage of convenience that was supposed to have bisexual Kenny doing his undocumented co-worker, Mexican born, Alejandro 'Han' a favor to help him get a green card and live more legally in America. There's lots of added drama from Kenny's ex who ends up pregnant and threatens to report on Han.

I didn't love her or the way she manipulates her partners and physically abuses them too. But Kenny and Han's friends to more relationship was sweet and relatable and I enjoyed it the most. Full of a diverse cast of characters dealing with immigration problems, grief and family drama, this was good on audio and an excellent adult debut from a writer I've loved in the past!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review! Steam level: some open door scenes

I just loved this LOVE STORY! These boys were just so cute and such amazing friends. They are the people in books that you can't help but to root for. I hated the ex girlfriend with a passion. I can't believe how manipulative and abusive she was. I wanted her to go to jail or at least get fired from her job!