The Decent Proposal: A Novel

An addictively readable debut romantic comedy, drama, and mystery rolled into one, about two very different strangers whose lives become intertwined when they receive an unusual proposition. 

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. For now he contents himself with days at the Coffee Bean and nights with his best friend Mike (that’s a woman, by the 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. And yet recently she befriended a homeless man in her Venice neighborhood, surprised to find how much she enjoys their early-morning chats.

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. The Decent Proposal is a heartfelt and often hilarious look at the ties that bind not just a guy and a girl but an entire, diverse cast of characters situated within a modern-day Los Angeles brought to full and irrepressible life.

A humorous, heartfelt love story built on a tantalizing premise: would you agree to spend two hours a week with a stranger—just talking—to collect half a million dollars at the end of a year?

Struggling Hollywood producer Richard is twenty-nine, hungover, and broke. Ridiculously handsome with an easy charm, he spends his days procrastinating at the Coffee Bean and nights hanging out with his best friend, Michaela, aka “Mike.”

At thirty-three, Elizabeth is on track to make partner at her law firm. Known as “La Máquina”—the Machine—to her colleagues, she’s grown used to a quiet, orderly life with no romantic entanglements of any kind. (Her closest friend is an old man who discusses Virginia Woolf with her at the beach. Enough said.)

Richard and Elizabeth have never met before, but their 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 every week for a year. Both are shocked and suspicious, and agree the idea is absurd, but after Richard anxiously considers the state of his bank account and Elizabeth carefully conducts a cost-benefit analysis of the situation, they agree to give it a try.

As these two perfect strangers wade awkwardly into the waters of modern courtship, discovering a shared affection for In-N-Out burgers, classic books, cult-hit movies, and various Los Angeles locales, they realize that uncovering the secret identity of their benefactor will not only make clear what connects them but change them both forever.

This delightful tale is full of twists, revelations, and above all love in its multitude of forms.

Advance Praise For Decent Proposal

“A sharp, wise, and hilarious novel. Think Entourage meets Tom Wolfe with a touch of Indecent Proposal. . . . We loved it!”—Lucy Sykes and Jo Piazza, authors of The Knockoff

“The Decent Proposal is as clever as it is hopeful. Whether talking about the secret menu at In-N-Out or matters as grand as life and death, Kemper Donovan’s voice is original, captivating, and assured. This book is both a moving love letter to Los Angeles and a thoughtful rumination on what people can mean to one another.”—Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Maybe in Another Life

“Impossible to put down, this character-rich, breakout novel will make your heart burst with love. You’ll turn the pages so fast you might get a paper cut.”—Claire Bidwell Smith, author of The Rules of Inheritance

“THE DECENT PROPOSAL is as clever as it is hopeful. Whether talking about the secret menu at In-N-Out or matters as grand as life and death, Kemper Donovan’s voice is original, captivating, and assured. This book is both a moving love letter to Los Angeles and a thoughtful rumination on what people can mean to one another.” - Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Maybe in Another Life

“A sharp, wise, and hilarious novel. Think ENTOURAGE meets Tom Wolfe with a touch of INDECENT PROPOSAL. . . . We loved it!” - Lucy Sykes & Jo Piazza, authors of The Knockoff

“Full of heart and humor, Donovan’s debut is a classic LA love story.” - J. Ryan Stradal, New York Times bestselling author of Kitchens of the Great Midwest

“The Decent Proposal is clever as it is hopeful…Kemper Donovan’s voice is original, captivating, and assured. This book is both a moving love letter to Los Angeles and a thoughtful rumination on what people can mean to one another.” - Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Maybe in Another Life

“Impossible to put down, this character-rich, breakout novel will make your heart burst with love. You’ll turn the pages so fast you might get a paper cut.” - Claire Bidwell Smith, author of The Rules of Inheritance

“Donovan takes what might have been a derivative tale and colors it with poignancy and self-discovery . . . Artful and arresting.” - Library Journal

“Delightful…Peopled by appealing characters and filled with lush descriptions of the diverse L.A. landscape, Donovan’s winning first novel offers up a page-turning tale brimming with heart.” - Booklist (starred review)

“A sweet and slyly charming love story...adroitly explores the nature of friendship—and love...a wise and witty—and well-written—romantic comedy that is filled with heart.” - Examiner.com

“Smart and observant. . . . A strong, omniscient narrator anchors Donovan’s deconstructed, opposites-attract love story where emotional stakes deepen as the story unfolds. References to pop culture, classic literature and movies—along with snappy dialogue and well-drawn characterizations, especially in the cast of supporting players—infuse a clever plot filled with surprising twists that will keep readers entertained and in suspense.” - Shelf Awareness

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

“Donovan’s hilariously romantic debut novel is reminiscent of a modern Jane Austen-style story based in sunny Los Angeles. Dramatic and mysterious, this upbeat story is bound to become a classic with its enchanting setting and unforgettable, yet relatable characters.” - Steamboat Today

“THE DECENT PROPOSAL isn’t the typical romantic comedy. In fact, in many ways, it’s more of an anti-rom-com… that’s what makes it a thoughtful and entertaining study in personalities and relationships.” - WCBE's Shelf Discovery (Columbus OH)