I’ve been in a bit of a writing slump lately thanks to (imagine me gesturing wildly around) life. I actually read this book over a month ago, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. And with the current U.S. leadership making it abundantly clear that foreigners are not welcome on their soil, this story feels more timely—and more necessary—than ever. I missed the book’s publishing date (Jan. 21), and I’m a little ashamed of that, because I really want this one to find its readers and get the success it deserves. So today, let me tell you about… a romance. Well, a bromance.

Blurb

It’s about time roommates Alejandro and Kenny get married. Or at least, that’s what all their close friends and family think when they announce their engagement. The kicker? The two are faking their whole relationship so Alejandro can get a green card. But if Han was going to marry anyone, it would be his ride or die since second grade.

Han has never been able to put down roots, and the only one who truly breaks through his walls is Kenny. Sweet, sensitive Kenny is newly single, and what better distraction from his soul-sucking relationship than proposing marriage to Han? Kenny can’t think of anything more fun than spending his life with his best friend, even if it’s just for a piece of paper. But as Kenny keeps up the charade, he’s soon struggling to resist their sizzling chemistry.

The line between fact and fiction begins to blur the closer they get to their wedding date. With all eyes on Han and Kenny—including a meddling ex and immigration officers—will these two bros make it down the altar for real?

My Thoughts

I loved this book.

On the surface, The Broposal is a fake-dating, best-friends-to-lovers romcom—sweet, funny, and full of swoony moments. But underneath the swoons and slow-burn chemistry, this book also explores the very real fear and hardship of being undocumented in the U.S.—making it one of the most emotionally resonant romances I’ve read in a long time.

As an immigrant myself—an American who’s never lived in the U.S.—I’m painfully familiar with the bureaucratic nightmares that come with trying to stay legal. I’ve had applications lost, had to rely on family for fees, and even turned down job opportunities because they might jeopardize my status. I’ve been in rooms where people complain about “foreigners getting free handouts” without realizing I’m one of those very people (though, where those handouts are hiding, I’d love to know). And still, I recognize the immense privilege I have—legality, support, and even the invisibility granted by my skin color.

The Broposal put that into perspective. Han is a young undocumented immigrant who’s built a life in the U.S. but lives every day under the weight of fear and restriction. The story doesn’t shy away from the consequences of that reality: the exploitation, the lack of medical access, the quiet terror of being found out. The paradox of wanting, needing to be legal, and not having the resources to do so because you’re not. It’s powerful. It’s real. And it’s a stark reminder that the right to live a life of dignity should not be up for debate.

And yet, against this backdrop, we have the most wholesome, perfect romance between Han and Kenny.

Best friends since second grade, their bond is so warm and full of mutual care that it’s no wonder everyone around them assumes they’re already in love. We all see it! Right away! Their friendship is beautiful on its own, and while I’d love to see more representations of strong, platonic male friendships in fiction, I couldn’t help but cheer when they started to realize what everyone else already knew: they’re soulmates.

The chemistry? Off the charts. The emotional depth? Devastating in the best way. It also features one of the most heartbreaking explicit sex scenes you will ever read, so prepare yourself emotionally.

Another highlight: the book thoughtfully includes the experience of emotional abuse from a female partner—something rarely depicted in romance, especially from a male perspective. Kenny’s past relationship is handled with nuance and care, and it adds even more complexity to his emotional journey.

I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it. Having two narrators—one for Han and one for Kenny—was such a gift. It’s still way too rare in audiobooks where both POVs are the same gender, and it made these characters feel even more alive.

In short: The Broposal is more than just a romance. It’s a story about identity, safety, love, and the messy beauty of realizing you’ve had everything you needed all along. It’s timely. It’s tender. It’s so worth reading.

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If you’re in the U.S. right now and going through this—if you’re undocumented, on a visa, waiting for your paperwork, or living in fear of what might come next—please know: the outside world is watching. Many of us see what’s happening, and we care deeply. You deserve safety, dignity, and the freedom to live without fear. You shouldn’t have to prove your worthiness to exist.

If you’re looking for support, here are some resources that may help:

United We Dream (https://unitedwedream.org) – the largest immigrant youth-led community in the U.S., offering resources, advocacy, and community support.

Immigration Equality (https://immigrationequality.org) – especially for LGBTQ+ immigrants, they offer legal assistance and know-how.

RAICES (https://www.raicestexas.org) – provides legal and social services to immigrants and refugees, particularly in Texas but with national reach.

National Immigration Law Center (https://nilc.org) – a long-standing advocacy group working to defend and advance the rights of low-income immigrants.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. Please reach out to trusted people, advocacy groups, or mental health professionals when you can. And if reading stories like The Broposal helps you feel seen or even just momentarily lighter—you’re not wrong to reach for that, too.

We see you. We care. And we’re not giving up on a more just world.