Not That Kind of Proposal by Victoria Lavine: My Book Review

Don’t miss my book review of Not That Kind of Proposal by Victoria Lavine to learn why I love this book so much, one of my most anticipated new romance books of 2026 that did not disappoint!

*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Not That Kind of Proposal Summary:

Gracie Holland can plan the perfect Happily Ever After—unless it’s her own. After a soul-flattening breakup, she’s rebuilt her life planning weddings at Larkwood—an ivy-covered Rhode Island estate where she lives in the staff cottage (and only occasionally cries herself into a blanket burrito). But when her beloved boss passes away and leaves the estate to her grandson, Gracie suddenly finds herself pitted against a love-allergic divorce lawyer determined to sell Larkwood by summer’s end—even if it means crushing his grandmother’s legacy and everyone’s jobs beneath his polished wingtips.

As someone who cleans up romantic disasters for a living, Jude Larkwood has no intention of keeping the estate as a wedding venue, no matter how much he loved his Nana. Selling it is critical for reasons he can’t discuss, but there’s just one problem: his Nana inexplicably left the guest cottage to the estate’s maddeningly romantic wedding planner, who has somehow turned his mind into her permanent residence.

So, when Gracie proposes that he help her plan her ex’s shotgun wedding to prove Larkwood is worth saving, he agrees—on one condition. If she fails to convince him by the big day, she’ll sell him her cottage

But as bickering and cake tastings turn into late-night confessions, Gracie and Jude find themselves breaking every vow not to fall for each other. After all, opposites may attract—but can a hopeless romantic and a professional cynic really say “I do” to their own love story?

Not That Kind of Proposal: My Review

Victoria Lavine has once again proven that she is one of romance’s new voices that EVERYONE needs to read!

Not That Kind of Proposal instantly made my most anticipated new romance books of 2026 list after I fell hard for Victoria’s debut novel, Any Trope But You, and it did not disappoint. It too had such incredible writing, a wonderful storyline with such unique and delightful characters that you can’t help but fall for. I devoured every single page of this novel and cannot wait to read whatever this author has in store next.

Victoria has definitely carved out her spot on my favorite romance authors list because she brings the full package to her writing. Not only does she create a wonderful story, but it’s crafted with the best banter, unique character development, thought-provoking elements and details sprinkled in that make the entire story feel so rich.

This could have read like any romcom where a wedding planner falls for the anti-love divorce lawyer but it was so much more.

Gracie is a wonderful heroine with a heart of gold. While she is definitely a people-pleaser and still struggling three years later from a break-up, she also possessed a strengthen that had her fighting for the venue she loved so much and the woman who gave her her job and home. I loved seeing her character growth throughout the story.

Jude definitely earned his title of one of my favorite book boyfriends of the year. The way his character developed was such a surprise in many ways and I loved every single thing about this man. While he has every reason to keep himself locked up tight and love-averse, the way he opened his heart to Gracie was just beautiful.

Victoria completely surprised me with his “kink” that was revealed but it absolutely fit him and was so hot in how it was revealed in the pages. This is just one example of how Victoria weaves in so many details to her characters and the storyline that make it such a rich experience to read and sets her work a part from typical romcoms.

I also loved the nods to Rhode Island and the New England-esq details she weaved into the story. The way she used her secondary characters to pull out Gracie and Jude’s character details even more was perfection.

I’m glad that this story didn’t get bogged down in the fact that Gracie was planning her exes wedding. That aspect actually took a backseat to the forced proximity that it provided to bring Gracie and Jude closer together and the development of their feelings.

I was also surprised that a heavier topic was introduced and in the background of Jude’s actions and decisions but it was presented and represented beautifully in a way that again gave depth to the story but didn’t overshadow the love story that was blooming.

And while she didn’t have a lot of page time, I just loved Jude’s grandmother!

Victoria Lavine has permanently landed herself as an auto-buy author for me and she should be for you as well. I cannot recommend this book or her work enough!

*I received an advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

More by Victoria Lavine:

• Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine

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• 26 Most Anticipated New Romance Books of 2026
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• Kinky Romance Books

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