Book Review: "A Rival's Proposal" is a fast, fun romantic read

Viktor Giles and Angelika Aldrich have been rivals since high school. Over-achievers with razor-sharp wits, they seem to have it all - but each harbors deep feelings of insecurity and both are losers in love. Not that either would ever admit it. So when an old friend goads them in a race to romance (the first one engaged gets a honey moon cruise paid for by the loser!), Angelika and Viktor find themselves in over their heads. But when their rivalry turns into a new kind of chemistry, will either have the courage to admit it?

Lia London's romantic comedy is story about two people who stand in the shadows of familial expectations and their own need to win. Angelika works with the needy and cannot compete with her siblings' more showy talents. Viktor is crushed by his narcissistic father's need for perfection. And both struggle with their own self-images and memories of high school jealousies and torments. 

That's not to say that this book is heavy - quite the contrary. It's light and fun, with laugh-out-loud witty banter and some intense chemistry. (In my opinion, one of the side characters, the snarky and fantasy obsessed roommate deserves her own book.) Although part of a series, the story is self-contained. Clean and quick, quippy and romantic, it delivers the perfect kind of light escapism for a work-day lunch break. Highly recommended for anyone, like me, who just wants a little old-fashioned, classic-screwball-comedy romance.

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