The Proposition by Judith Ivory
Published by HarperCollins e-books on January 26, 2011
Genres: Historical
Pages: 384
Goodreads

FINAL DECISION: This older historical romance reminds me of what I love about romance. It is a book about love and yearning with a lot of romance and sexual tension. The highlights are the unconventional hero and slow-burn romance.

THE STORY: In 1890s London, Lady Edwina Bollash, a spinster and philologist, makes an outrageous bet that she can transform Mick Tremore, a Cockney-Cornish rat-catcher, into a convincing viscount for one night at a ball.

OPINION: This book epitomizes what makes historical romance special. Ivory crafts a story that focuses deeply on the developing relationship between the leads, letting their connection build with delicious slowness.

What makes the book particularly special is Mick, our rat-catching hero. Ivory doesn’t try to polish his background – he lives in near squalor with his dog and ferret, speaks in thick Cockney-Cornish dialect, and makes his living in the least genteel way possible. Yet his quick wit and natural charm make him utterly compelling.

The romance between Mick and Winnie develops through their lessons together, creating a perfect vehicle for sexual tension and emotional connection. Their growing attraction feels natural and earned, built through small moments and verbal sparring that crackle with chemistry.

Ivory explores class, identity, and personal transformation in both characters. Mick discovers new possibilities for his life, while Winnie gradually sheds her rigid self-control. Their journey together is both romantic and deeply satisfying.

Winnie is strong and has to find her own agency and find out what she wants. The book is mostly these two together which is simply amazing. There really is something fantastic about a book that respects both leads and emphasizes that both are important to the story.

Though the ending feels somewhat fairy-tale-like and too pat, it suits the overall spirit of the story. At the same time, I took a bit off because I wished that portion had been developed more because it felt a bit tacked on.

WORTH MENTIONING: THE PROPOSITION is a reverse telling of Pygmalion, which had his most famous adaption as the musical My Fair Lady.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE PROPOSITION is a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.