The Decent Proposal

"A moving love letter to Los Angeles and a thoughtful rumination on what people can mean to one another." -Taylor Jenkins Reid,
New York Times-bestselling author of
Daisy and the Six



A struggling Hollywood producer, Richard Baumbach is twenty-nine, hung-over, and broke. Ridiculously handsome with an innate charm and an air of invincibility, he still believes good things will come his way.



At thirty-three, Elizabeth Santiago is on track to make partner at her law firm. Known as "La Máquina" The Machine-to her colleagues, she's grown used to avoiding anything that might derail her quiet, orderly life.



Richard and Elizabeth's paths collide when they receive a proposal from a mysterious, anonymous benefactor. They'll split a million dollars if they agree to spend at least two hours together-just talking-every week for a year. Astonished and more than a little suspicious, they each nevertheless say yes. Richard needs the money and likes the adventure of it. Elizabeth embraces the challenge of shaking up her life a little more. Both agree the idea is ridiculous, but why not?



What ensues is a delightful journey full of twists, revelations, hamburgers, classic literature, poppy music, and above all love, in its multitude of forms.



"Delightful. . . a page-turning tale brimming with heart." -
Booklist, starred review



"Artful and arresting." -
Library Journal


"Smart and observant. ." -
Shelf Awareness


"A romantic tale with a heart and a brain-and a mystery that will keep you turning the pages." -
W Magazine