Yes, it’s a really silly title, but I read it anyway.

In The Broposal by Sonora Reyes, Kenny and Alejandro (Han for short) have been best friends since they were in grade school. Now, in their twenties, they’re sharing an apartment as they try to survive adulthood. But Han’s life doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, as it’s hard for someone without a green card to get a good education or job in the US. And Kenny’s relationship with Jackie is imploding—though in Han’s book, that’s a good thing. Lost in the wake of being newly single, Kenny wants to find a way to help someone since he can’t help himself… so he suggests that he and Han get married, so Han can get his green card. It’s risky, but possible, and their friends and family believe it easily. Maybe too easily. The longer this goes on, the more Kenny and Han start to wonder if it’s not so fake after all.

This is far from the most amazing book ever, but it’s cute enough, and certainly has more substance and social commentary than the Sandra Bullock movie The Proposal, so that’s something.

Firstly, I liked Kenny and Han’s relationship. Their enduring friendship makes for a solid foundation, which Reyes is able to shake up and strengthen throughout the story. I like how both characters learn new things about themselves and each other, growing both separately and as a couple. I also really appreciated the glimpse into what it’s like to live in the US as an undocumented immigrant. I personally have never read a book with that perspective before, and it’s sobering to see how much tension a person has to carry when that’s their situation. I think this book explored it really well.

There’s also some struggle and drama on Kenny’s side of things in terms of his tumultuous relationship with Jackie, his high school sweetheart—not that she’s that sweet. It’s important for people to recognize that women can be abusive toward their male partners too, in both emotional and physical ways. You really feel bad for Kenny, who’s naturally self-sacrificing and kind, and yet is damaged so much by her manipulative, cruel treatment of him. If you’ve been in a similar situation, this might be a tough book for you, though.

However, there’s plenty of levity to balance these serious subjects. The scenes with Kenny and Han’s friends, as well as the kind exchanges between them and their families, are excellent. Also, Han and Kenny are so sweet to each other, even as they face so many obstacles to their happiness, and it’s great to see. Their relationship isn’t without its flaws, but they’re treated as flaws by the narrative, and the characters work to overcome them throughout the book.

In the end, The Broposal is a decent story. The premise is a bit cliched in the romance genre by now, but this one approaches with a good dose of realism. However, the grounded nature of the story doesn’t take away from the love between the leads, or the theme that there’s joy in being known. This may not be the greatest romcom I’ve ever read, but it was still a good one. I also listened to the audiobook, narrated by Andre Santana and Alejandro Antonio Ruiz, who both do a wonderful job.

The Broposal will be published on January 21st, 2025!