What do you think?
Rate this book
Medievals #4
By Arrangement
The lady and the commoner...
Lady Christiana Fitzwaryn was not opposed to marriage. But she demanded to be married on her own terms, not as punishment for a romantic indiscretion, and especially not to a common merchant. Yet she was in for a shock when she met David de Abyndon. For she was confronted by no ordinary merchant but a man of extraordinary poise and virility. He was unaffected by their difference in social status. And even less affected by her well-thought-out arguments against their upcoming betrothal. Instead, it was Christiana who felt uneasy in the presence of this naturally lordly man behind whose cool blue eyes she sensed the most uncompromising of passions.
David de Abyndon understood Christiana's dilemma, for he too harbored a secret pain. How could he tell her that there was more to this arrangement than met the eye? How could he tell her about his deal with the king--a deal that meant he had all but bought Christiana sight unseen?
What's more, now that he had seen this beautiful, spirited woman, how could he convince her that the love she sought was not in the callow knight she had romanticized but in the flesh-and-blood arms of the man who may have bought her body--but in the bargain lost both his heart and soul?
Lady Christiana Fitzwaryn was not opposed to marriage. But she demanded to be married on her own terms, not as punishment for a romantic indiscretion, and especially not to a common merchant. Yet she was in for a shock when she met David de Abyndon. For she was confronted by no ordinary merchant but a man of extraordinary poise and virility. He was unaffected by their difference in social status. And even less affected by her well-thought-out arguments against their upcoming betrothal. Instead, it was Christiana who felt uneasy in the presence of this naturally lordly man behind whose cool blue eyes she sensed the most uncompromising of passions.
David de Abyndon understood Christiana's dilemma, for he too harbored a secret pain. How could he tell her that there was more to this arrangement than met the eye? How could he tell her about his deal with the king--a deal that meant he had all but bought Christiana sight unseen?
What's more, now that he had seen this beautiful, spirited woman, how could he convince her that the love she sought was not in the callow knight she had romanticized but in the flesh-and-blood arms of the man who may have bought her body--but in the bargain lost both his heart and soul?
389 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2000
145 people are currently reading
1369 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Hunter
102 books2,107 followersMadeline Hunter is a nationally bestselling author of historical romances who lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. Her books have won two RITA awards and seven nominations, and have had three starred reviews in Publishers Weekly. In a parallel existence to the one she enjoys as a novelist, Madeline has a Ph.D. in art history and teaches at an East Coast university.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
February 18, 2024
•| ⊱✿⊰ |• 4,4 Stars •| ⊱✿⊰ |•
David, melhor amigo de Marcus que vimos no livro anterior, está noivo.
Mais um casamento arranjado pelo rei Eduardo.
Desta vez não temos uma Christiana a recusar o casamento, apesar de David ser apenas um comerciante e ela filha de um nobre.
Dizem que ele a viu e apaixonou-se, mas tudo não passa de uma estratégia entre ele e o rei para disfarçarem a verdadeira natureza da negociação.
Esta história tem como pano de fundo a guerra entre Inglaterra e França.
Fiquei um pouco desiludida por não aparecerem as personagens habituais, Addis, Rhys e Marcus.
════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════
David, Marcus's best friend who we saw in the previous book, is engaged.
Another marriage arranged by King Edward.
This time we don't have a Christiana refusing marriage, even though David is just a merchant and she is the daughter of a nobleman.
They say he saw her and fell in love, but it was all just a strategy between him and the king to disguise the true nature of the negotiation.
This story is set against the backdrop of the war between England and France.
I was a little disappointed that the usual characters, Addis, Rhys and Marcus, didn't appear.
════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════
August 19, 2009
I read this book because everyone raved about Madeline Hunter's historicals, and this one in particular. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I really enjoyed this book. I thought David was a great hero. He was the kind of man who did what he set his mind to, and didn't worry too much about what other people thought. He was an 'actions speak louder than words' kind of man. Even though his bride Christiana's reputation has been ruined by a fairly innocent dalliance with a knightly courtier that she thought hung the moon, he is determined to wed her. He even gets a few chances to get out of the arranged marriage but doesn't take them. I liked his patience in wooing his bride, who stubbornly thinks she's in love with another man because she allowed him to take certain liberties (which nowadays would be considered pretty mild but I can see how back in this time it was thought of as being compromised). I liked how you could see that although David was a merchant and looked down upon, he had much more honor than the so-called chivalrous knight who more or less seduced an innocent girl who thought she was in love with him and he with her. As you can see, David made this book for me. He was so romantic and passionate and committed. The kind of husband a girl can only wish for. He's also ruthless and calculating, but that's not necessarily bad under the right circumstances. This definitely was a good introduction to Madeline Hunter for me.
January 22, 2016
Finally got this book out of my way.
I love a good medieval story. Since Madeline Hunter is famous for her medievals, I started this book with much enthusiasm. The premise is interesting enough. David, a low-born but stinking rich merchant, saw Christiana, a ward of the English King, at court and was driven by lust to have her. Being close to the English King in spite of his lowly birth, David offered for Christiana and was granted his lustful wish. The match was frowned upon because Christiana was a of noble birth, first tier, too. Her marrying a merchant was an outrageous thought.
Christiana loved another. A cad named Stephen. She resented the fact that she had to marry David and sent for Stephen to come marry her before everything was too late. But of course Stephen did not come. Everyone except Christiana could see that Stephen did not love her and that Christiana was an idiot to believe that she had a noble knight in Stephen.
So the marriage was on rocky grounds. The book follows Christiana and David's difficult union. A bride who resented her groom. A groom who desired his bride. Isn't that quaint? David knew nothing about Christiana. But she was so beautiful, David had to marry her. So no relationship building whatsoever. Christiana was in love with someone else and hated David because she thought him beneath her and she was forced to have sex with him. But after great sex, she changed her mind. Now she loved David. Who was Stephen? That idiot who did not know great sex is the way to a woman's heart?
It turns out that David, was not a lowly merchant at all. Suffice it to say that Christiana felt like an idiot when David's true parentage came under the light. Some political intrigue, superficial I love you after great sex, the end.
I had a lot of problems with the book. It is not about the writing. It was the story itself. I detest Christiana from the beginning. A stupid girl who knew nothing about love, who mistook infatuation for affections, who expected a jerk to be her prince on the white horse, who despised a man who actually wanted her for his lowly birth and never gave him a chance. I wonder, what is to like about Christiana other than the fact that she was beautiful?
Christiana's immaturity permeates the story. She did "grow out of" her infatuation for Stephen and "realized" that she loved David. I thought the change strange since nothing has changed for Christiana and David other than the fact that they had great sex. So after they had fantastic sex, Christiana came to realize that now she loved David? I mean, come on, give women a little more credit than that. The attitude change and "falling in love" seemed fake. I honestly do not know what changed. Christiana changed. Just like that. And all because David was such a great lover. And this was supposed to be romantic?
Christiana's fault does not stop at being naive and stupid about love. She was quick to anger. Whenever things didn't go her way, she either shut herself in the room or got mad at someone (usually David), accusing them of lying, using, misleading and misunderstanding her. The beautiful Christiana was never at fault. And she was entitled to her anger, because you know, Christiana was not happy. Someone must be responsible for that. And no no, Christiana was always right.
I would have given the book 3 stars for the writing. But Christiana made this book such an awful reading experience. I wanted to slap her but I was forced to read about how David loved her for reasons that are beyond my comprehension. Oh but how could I forget, they had great sex. It must be true love.
I love a good medieval story. Since Madeline Hunter is famous for her medievals, I started this book with much enthusiasm. The premise is interesting enough. David, a low-born but stinking rich merchant, saw Christiana, a ward of the English King, at court and was driven by lust to have her. Being close to the English King in spite of his lowly birth, David offered for Christiana and was granted his lustful wish. The match was frowned upon because Christiana was a of noble birth, first tier, too. Her marrying a merchant was an outrageous thought.
Christiana loved another. A cad named Stephen. She resented the fact that she had to marry David and sent for Stephen to come marry her before everything was too late. But of course Stephen did not come. Everyone except Christiana could see that Stephen did not love her and that Christiana was an idiot to believe that she had a noble knight in Stephen.
So the marriage was on rocky grounds. The book follows Christiana and David's difficult union. A bride who resented her groom. A groom who desired his bride. Isn't that quaint? David knew nothing about Christiana. But she was so beautiful, David had to marry her. So no relationship building whatsoever. Christiana was in love with someone else and hated David because she thought him beneath her and she was forced to have sex with him. But after great sex, she changed her mind. Now she loved David. Who was Stephen? That idiot who did not know great sex is the way to a woman's heart?
It turns out that David, was not a lowly merchant at all. Suffice it to say that Christiana felt like an idiot when David's true parentage came under the light. Some political intrigue, superficial I love you after great sex, the end.
I had a lot of problems with the book. It is not about the writing. It was the story itself. I detest Christiana from the beginning. A stupid girl who knew nothing about love, who mistook infatuation for affections, who expected a jerk to be her prince on the white horse, who despised a man who actually wanted her for his lowly birth and never gave him a chance. I wonder, what is to like about Christiana other than the fact that she was beautiful?
Christiana's immaturity permeates the story. She did "grow out of" her infatuation for Stephen and "realized" that she loved David. I thought the change strange since nothing has changed for Christiana and David other than the fact that they had great sex. So after they had fantastic sex, Christiana came to realize that now she loved David? I mean, come on, give women a little more credit than that. The attitude change and "falling in love" seemed fake. I honestly do not know what changed. Christiana changed. Just like that. And all because David was such a great lover. And this was supposed to be romantic?
Christiana's fault does not stop at being naive and stupid about love. She was quick to anger. Whenever things didn't go her way, she either shut herself in the room or got mad at someone (usually David), accusing them of lying, using, misleading and misunderstanding her. The beautiful Christiana was never at fault. And she was entitled to her anger, because you know, Christiana was not happy. Someone must be responsible for that. And no no, Christiana was always right.
I would have given the book 3 stars for the writing. But Christiana made this book such an awful reading experience. I wanted to slap her but I was forced to read about how David loved her for reasons that are beyond my comprehension. Oh but how could I forget, they had great sex. It must be true love.
![Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1647896333i%2F31792110._UX200_CR0%2C96%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
May 16, 2023
⤅ Better than most arranged marriage books I've read, but leaves some annoying questions lingering.
We jump straight in with 18-year-old Christiana Fitzwaryn, an English noblewoman, sneaking off to meet her new betrothed, 29-year-old David de Abyndon. There are a number of reasons why the arranged match is wildly unsuitable. First of all, he's a common merchant and she's the King's ward. Secondly, she's already in love with someone else. David hears her out, but he makes it clear that her beauty and bloodlines are more than enough to balance out everything else. Even her love of another man.
This wasn't a bad read - David is possessive and mildly dark in the style of early Hunter heroes, which is a style that works very well - but overall, it leaves one with a definite dissatisfaction about the HFN ending. Even more so than with other Hunter novels, which are equally devoid of epilogues. For one, it's hinted throughout that David was in love with a woman in the East who sold him out, and Christiana even finds a sketch he did of this woman. But we're never given any details, and it rubs me the wrong way that David never sketched Christiana.
We also know from other books that David has a whole bunch of close friends - Marcus, Rhys, etc - who never appear. How is it his best friends never even learn he has a wife, let alone meet her?? It rubbed me the wrong way, especially considering David was so present in their books. It just made Christiana's place in his life feel even more tenuous.
I could have handled this better if Christiana truly hadn't been a virgin. But unbelievably, it turns out she's so ignorant that she believed she lost her virginity through... French kissing. To his credit, David didn't treat her badly when he thought she wasn't a virgin, but this episode just emphasised how imbalanced their pairing is: she's young, insanely lacking in knowledge about life, and an open book to him, while he's older, worldly, and tells her pretty much nothing about his life or past.
So sadly, despite the excellent setting/plot and great dubcon undercurrents, this is my least favourite in the series by miles.
We jump straight in with 18-year-old Christiana Fitzwaryn, an English noblewoman, sneaking off to meet her new betrothed, 29-year-old David de Abyndon. There are a number of reasons why the arranged match is wildly unsuitable. First of all, he's a common merchant and she's the King's ward. Secondly, she's already in love with someone else. David hears her out, but he makes it clear that her beauty and bloodlines are more than enough to balance out everything else. Even her love of another man.
This wasn't a bad read - David is possessive and mildly dark in the style of early Hunter heroes, which is a style that works very well - but overall, it leaves one with a definite dissatisfaction about the HFN ending. Even more so than with other Hunter novels, which are equally devoid of epilogues. For one, it's hinted throughout that David was in love with a woman in the East who sold him out, and Christiana even finds a sketch he did of this woman. But we're never given any details, and it rubs me the wrong way that David never sketched Christiana.
We also know from other books that David has a whole bunch of close friends - Marcus, Rhys, etc - who never appear. How is it his best friends never even learn he has a wife, let alone meet her?? It rubbed me the wrong way, especially considering David was so present in their books. It just made Christiana's place in his life feel even more tenuous.
I could have handled this better if Christiana truly hadn't been a virgin. But unbelievably, it turns out she's so ignorant that she believed she lost her virginity through... French kissing. To his credit, David didn't treat her badly when he thought she wasn't a virgin, but this episode just emphasised how imbalanced their pairing is: she's young, insanely lacking in knowledge about life, and an open book to him, while he's older, worldly, and tells her pretty much nothing about his life or past.
So sadly, despite the excellent setting/plot and great dubcon undercurrents, this is my least favourite in the series by miles.
August 10, 2023
I was trying to get rid of some paperbacks and somehow started rereading this. I'm glad I did.
I think this author had/has more successful books, in terms of popularity, and that's likely due to what she gets right:
The story takes place in 1345/1346 and mercifully the characters act, behave, and speak accordingly. There is no presentism.
Romance readers need have no fear as this is a love story albeit among people who live in their times and their reality. It was glorious.
Needless to say this paperback stays.
ps. I don't know that this series needs to be read as a series or in any particular order.
I think this author had/has more successful books, in terms of popularity, and that's likely due to what she gets right:
The story takes place in 1345/1346 and mercifully the characters act, behave, and speak accordingly. There is no presentism.
Romance readers need have no fear as this is a love story albeit among people who live in their times and their reality. It was glorious.
Needless to say this paperback stays.
ps. I don't know that this series needs to be read as a series or in any particular order.
May 11, 2025
Naïve heroine learns hard lessons when she marries the H. He's secretive for good reasons, doesn't trust her. Of course, she makes mistakes and his mistrust hurts their marriage. He's involved with espionage, now her life is at risk. The h is young but puts her trust in the H.
September 7, 2020
I love the way Ms Hunter details and fleshes out the background and characters, both historical as well as fictional, of 14th century England. Her sensitivity to the nuances of facial expressions and range of emotions she stirs with her story-telling is what got me hooked on her writing.
In this, her debut novel, she has created two compelling characters whom I’ve come to love a lot. Lady Christiana Fitzwaryn was promised in marriage to wealthy London merchant, David de Abyndon through a special arrangement the latter had with the King. In a bid to persuade David to call off the wedding, she visited him one night to inform him that she was no longer pure as a result of a romantic indiscretion.
However, when she met him, she couldn’t help but be drawn to this common merchant with the lordly manners and poise. David had agreed to the King’s arrangement to hide his deal with the monarch – an exclusive license to mine saltpeter in the Fitzwaryn ancestral home – and as a cover-up, he was rumoured to have bought Christiana sight unseen. Only when he met her did he understand why the King was so confident the rumour would be taken as truth, for David fear that he may have lost more than [his] heart in the bargain.
Read more here: https://inmybooks.wordpress.com/2007/... and https://inmybooks.wordpress.com/2005/...
In this, her debut novel, she has created two compelling characters whom I’ve come to love a lot. Lady Christiana Fitzwaryn was promised in marriage to wealthy London merchant, David de Abyndon through a special arrangement the latter had with the King. In a bid to persuade David to call off the wedding, she visited him one night to inform him that she was no longer pure as a result of a romantic indiscretion.
However, when she met him, she couldn’t help but be drawn to this common merchant with the lordly manners and poise. David had agreed to the King’s arrangement to hide his deal with the monarch – an exclusive license to mine saltpeter in the Fitzwaryn ancestral home – and as a cover-up, he was rumoured to have bought Christiana sight unseen. Only when he met her did he understand why the King was so confident the rumour would be taken as truth, for David fear that he may have lost more than [his] heart in the bargain.
Read more here: https://inmybooks.wordpress.com/2007/... and https://inmybooks.wordpress.com/2005/...
June 8, 2019
Not the book for me. I didn't connect that much with an 18 year old that seemed too much a nun for the reality of life. But above all I had to resist to DNF it both at the beginning at along the story every time there was a smexy time. I can't stomach this idea of sex and desire as an alien thing inside women. So it controls us and makes us do its bidding. I may be way too rational but science is not our enemy. Desire is linked to our brain, it doesn't happen by chance. If you don't want to do something, you either don't do it or you are forced to. I absolutely believe in seduction, but again seduction is in the brain, your body doesn't get seduced. Otherwise having sex with a body wouldn't be rape.
And it's a beautiful game, so all the more irking seeing it treated this way.
It would have been a good book without this premise. Unfortunately as it was I found it galling, when not irritating and loathsome at times. Just for such a stupid detail. Such a wrong one though.
And it's a beautiful game, so all the more irking seeing it treated this way.
It would have been a good book without this premise. Unfortunately as it was I found it galling, when not irritating and loathsome at times. Just for such a stupid detail. Such a wrong one though.
August 23, 2021
I was expecting so much from this book, but halfway through the good portion, the two leads just jumped the wagon and carried on a lot. I don't know, maybe it's all the young adult books I've been reading but having them carrying on like that was a huge turnoff and I wasn't feeling it, it felt forced. Normally I wouldn't care, I would skim through the pages and get to the interactions (verbal ones mind you) which is usually what I'm looking for in books. But I don't know, I wasn't really feeling the vibes, maybe I'll eventually come back to it when I'm truly stumped in my reading (which I feel might be soon.... )
EDIT 2021 I suppose my reading stump from 2017 was enough to propel me to return to this 2021 reading stump because this second time around it definitely stuck around! I had to change my tags since I was finally able to complete this, I don't know what came over me to think David was going to be an omega hero... definitely no 100% alpha but he was no omega either, just a patient omega who would turn into a menacing alpha in less than a second or two if his emotions were involved. I loved reading about a medieval hero that was calculating, centred, and had ambitions, and how all of that flew out the window when he met Christiana. Well not all, because all of those were then directed at her once he met her. I loved how he was a patient hero towards Christiana's sheltered inoncence. I also liked that Christiana wasn't the typical TSTL heroine I would normally expect for a historical romance. She caught up real quick on the ways of the world I would certainly agree, but I also think she was smart enough to piece these parts together to get a bigger picture of what really went on in front of her. The fact that she didn't tediously drag out her unrequited love towards her first love just to thwart David was already a good sign, and then she went and apologised to him when she found out she wasn't really tarnished goods set her higher for my expectations of a medieval heroine. I really liked the character development of Christiana and her budding romance to David who was equally deserving of love... But I will say that I didn't like the way he treated her when he, in a blind rage thinking that she cheated on him with her former first love, he almost hit her, and right when she was going to confess her love to him. I felt that, I truly did. I wish there was more groveling from David's part, but at the same time I'm also glad it wasn't dragged out because I don't think I could've handled it. Anyway, I will return to read more. My only problem this time around is that it was too short!!!!
EDIT 2021 I suppose my reading stump from 2017 was enough to propel me to return to this 2021 reading stump because this second time around it definitely stuck around! I had to change my tags since I was finally able to complete this, I don't know what came over me to think David was going to be an omega hero... definitely no 100% alpha but he was no omega either, just a patient omega who would turn into a menacing alpha in less than a second or two if his emotions were involved. I loved reading about a medieval hero that was calculating, centred, and had ambitions, and how all of that flew out the window when he met Christiana. Well not all, because all of those were then directed at her once he met her. I loved how he was a patient hero towards Christiana's sheltered inoncence. I also liked that Christiana wasn't the typical TSTL heroine I would normally expect for a historical romance. She caught up real quick on the ways of the world I would certainly agree, but I also think she was smart enough to piece these parts together to get a bigger picture of what really went on in front of her. The fact that she didn't tediously drag out her unrequited love towards her first love just to thwart David was already a good sign, and then she went and apologised to him when she found out she wasn't really tarnished goods set her higher for my expectations of a medieval heroine. I really liked the character development of Christiana and her budding romance to David who was equally deserving of love... But I will say that I didn't like the way he treated her when he, in a blind rage thinking that she cheated on him with her former first love, he almost hit her, and right when she was going to confess her love to him. I felt that, I truly did. I wish there was more groveling from David's part, but at the same time I'm also glad it wasn't dragged out because I don't think I could've handled it. Anyway, I will return to read more. My only problem this time around is that it was too short!!!!
June 25, 2011
Reviewed @ Girls Without a Bookshelf.
As much as I love historical romances, there is only so much of the history I can take. Which explains why perhaps, I did not enjoy this book as much as I thought I would.
If I'm not mistaken By Arrangement is my first Madeline Hunter read, and I chose this not lightly - because when I checked her website I loved almost all the blurbs of her books! They were exactly what I would want to read about. Surprisingly though, I seemed to find more than I bargained for, because this book at least just doesn't fit the blurb! I mean, it does in a sense, because fact of the matter is, it has what it says in the tin. But it isn't quite all that it has, and the heavier, more important element - that is the political intrigue and mystery - has not been mentioned in the blurb. As I was expecting something entirely, it was quite a bore reading all those parts. I'm open to a bit more content in any book, but when it overwhelms the plot ... it's not very nice. I think that sums what I did not like in it entirely - the political intrigue/mystery overshadowed the romance a lot and I was tempted to flick through the pages and just read through the parts where the romance play an integral part.
Having said that, I think the author did an excellent job with the characters. More than anything, the book shows a path to romance that is beyond the 'love-or-lust-at-first-sight'. Christina and David learn to grow accustomed to each other, then trust each other and finally love each other. Like any couple, they go through misunderstandings, but their coming together is handled very excellently. A little humour, misconceptions and tears made the book more interesting too! The incomplete ending aside, this is an entertaining read, particularly if you like romantic mysteries.
As much as I love historical romances, there is only so much of the history I can take. Which explains why perhaps, I did not enjoy this book as much as I thought I would.
If I'm not mistaken By Arrangement is my first Madeline Hunter read, and I chose this not lightly - because when I checked her website I loved almost all the blurbs of her books! They were exactly what I would want to read about. Surprisingly though, I seemed to find more than I bargained for, because this book at least just doesn't fit the blurb! I mean, it does in a sense, because fact of the matter is, it has what it says in the tin. But it isn't quite all that it has, and the heavier, more important element - that is the political intrigue and mystery - has not been mentioned in the blurb. As I was expecting something entirely, it was quite a bore reading all those parts. I'm open to a bit more content in any book, but when it overwhelms the plot ... it's not very nice. I think that sums what I did not like in it entirely - the political intrigue/mystery overshadowed the romance a lot and I was tempted to flick through the pages and just read through the parts where the romance play an integral part.
Having said that, I think the author did an excellent job with the characters. More than anything, the book shows a path to romance that is beyond the 'love-or-lust-at-first-sight'. Christina and David learn to grow accustomed to each other, then trust each other and finally love each other. Like any couple, they go through misunderstandings, but their coming together is handled very excellently. A little humour, misconceptions and tears made the book more interesting too! The incomplete ending aside, this is an entertaining read, particularly if you like romantic mysteries.
January 22, 2015
Uau!
Que livro bom!!!
A história começa exatamente assim: Christiana filha de nobres inglês sendo forçada a se casar com um mero mercador David, que a vista dos outros, a olhou, a quis e pagou muito dinheiro para tê-la.
Mas a moça não se renderá tão fácil, deixa claro que está apaixonada por outro.
Desde que realmente colocou os olhos na menina, David a quis de todos os modos. O dinheiro já não importava tanto assim...
Christiana então percebe que ter uma linhagem já não é tão relevante... pelo menos, não para ela!
Amei o livro!!!
Que livro bom!!!
A história começa exatamente assim: Christiana filha de nobres inglês sendo forçada a se casar com um mero mercador David, que a vista dos outros, a olhou, a quis e pagou muito dinheiro para tê-la.
Mas a moça não se renderá tão fácil, deixa claro que está apaixonada por outro.
Desde que realmente colocou os olhos na menina, David a quis de todos os modos. O dinheiro já não importava tanto assim...
Christiana então percebe que ter uma linhagem já não é tão relevante... pelo menos, não para ela!
Amei o livro!!!
November 13, 2017
This book gets right into the swing of things. Our heroine, Christiana, meets with her future betrothed to ask him to call off the betrothal before it is official. When I read the other reviews, I thought the first few chapters would provide some background on Christinana, how her parents died, how she became the king's ward, and especially how she was seduced and compromised by Stephen Percy (the knight Christiana fancies herself in love with) but nope. Since this book is actually the fourth in the series, I wonder if her background and seduction took place in one of the previous books. Because the facts I did learn about Christiana's parents and seduction were revealed briefly in this book as if it was a recap for readers who had read the books in order. I read the synopsis for the other books and couldn't really find a connection to those characters and Christiana nor were any of the previous books' MCs present in this book. *shrugs* I'll just have to read the previous books to see if I should have read in order. lol
I enjoyed the first half of the book. It was a little weird that they called each other by their first names instead of "Miss..." or "Mr. ...". They even referred to the king by his first name (Edward). I don't read too many medieval books, so maybe this is normal?
Warning:
I skimmed the last few chapters because they focused on war stuff. This is my first book by Madeline Hunter. I will read the other books in this series since they sound interesting.
I enjoyed the first half of the book. It was a little weird that they called each other by their first names instead of "Miss..." or "Mr. ...". They even referred to the king by his first name (Edward). I don't read too many medieval books, so maybe this is normal?
Warning:
I skimmed the last few chapters because they focused on war stuff. This is my first book by Madeline Hunter. I will read the other books in this series since they sound interesting.
August 11, 2024
Wat een verademing ! de hoofdrol in dit verhaal gaat nu eens niet naar een ridder maar naar een koopman en wat voor een ! Hij is alles wat je wil van een romantische hoofdrol speler .
January 22, 2016
By Arrangement (Medieval Series (Chronological order) #4) Finally got this book out of my way.
I love a good medieval story. Since Madeline Hunter is famous for her medievals, I started this book with much enthusiasm. The premise is interesting enough. David, a low-born but stinking rich merchant, saw Christiana, a ward of the English King, at court. Being close to the English King, David offered for Christiana. The match was frowned upon because Christiana was a of noble birth, first tier, too. Her marrying a merchant was an outrageous thought.
Christiana loved another. A cad named Stephen. She resented the fact that she had to marry David and sent for Stephen to come marry her before everything was too late. But of course Stephen did not come. Everyone except Christiana could see that Stephen did not love her and that Christiana was an idiot to believe that she had a noble knight in Stephen.
So the marriage was on rocky grounds. The book follows Christiana and David's difficult union. A bride who resented her groom. A groom who desired his bride. Isn't that quaint? It turns out that David, was not a lowly merchant at all. Suffice it to say that Christiana felt like an idiot when David's true parentage came under the light. Some political intrigue, superficial I love you after great sex, the end.
I had a lot of problems with the book. It is not about the writing. It was the story itself. I detest Christiana from the beginning. A stupid girl who knew nothing about love, who mistook infatuation for affections, who expected a jerk to be her prince on the white horse, who despised a man who actually wanted her for his lowly birth and never gave him a chance. I wonder, what is to like about Christiana other than the fact that she was beautiful?
Christiana's immaturity permeates the story. She did "grow out of" her infatuation for Stephen and "realized" that she loved David. I thought the change strange since nothing has changed for Christiana and David other than the fact that they had great sex. So after they had fantastic sex, Christiana came to realize that now she loved David? I mean, come on, give women a little more credit than that. The attitude change and "falling in love" seemed fake. I honestly do not know what changed. Christiana changed. Just like that. And all because David was such a great lover. And this was supposed to be romantic?
Christiana's fault does not stop at being naive and stupid about love. She was quick to anger. Whenever things didn't go her way, she either shut herself in the room or got mad at someone (usually David), accusing them of lying, using, misleading and misunderstanding her. The beautiful Christiana was never at fault. And she was entitled to her anger, because you know, Christiana was not happy. Someone must be responsible for that. And no no, Christiana was always right.
I would have given the book 3 stars for the writing. But Christiana made this book such an awful reading experience. I wanted to slap her but I was forced to read about how David loved her for reasons that are beyond my comprehension. Oh but how could I forget, they had great sex. It must be true love.
I love a good medieval story. Since Madeline Hunter is famous for her medievals, I started this book with much enthusiasm. The premise is interesting enough. David, a low-born but stinking rich merchant, saw Christiana, a ward of the English King, at court. Being close to the English King, David offered for Christiana. The match was frowned upon because Christiana was a of noble birth, first tier, too. Her marrying a merchant was an outrageous thought.
Christiana loved another. A cad named Stephen. She resented the fact that she had to marry David and sent for Stephen to come marry her before everything was too late. But of course Stephen did not come. Everyone except Christiana could see that Stephen did not love her and that Christiana was an idiot to believe that she had a noble knight in Stephen.
So the marriage was on rocky grounds. The book follows Christiana and David's difficult union. A bride who resented her groom. A groom who desired his bride. Isn't that quaint? It turns out that David, was not a lowly merchant at all. Suffice it to say that Christiana felt like an idiot when David's true parentage came under the light. Some political intrigue, superficial I love you after great sex, the end.
I had a lot of problems with the book. It is not about the writing. It was the story itself. I detest Christiana from the beginning. A stupid girl who knew nothing about love, who mistook infatuation for affections, who expected a jerk to be her prince on the white horse, who despised a man who actually wanted her for his lowly birth and never gave him a chance. I wonder, what is to like about Christiana other than the fact that she was beautiful?
Christiana's immaturity permeates the story. She did "grow out of" her infatuation for Stephen and "realized" that she loved David. I thought the change strange since nothing has changed for Christiana and David other than the fact that they had great sex. So after they had fantastic sex, Christiana came to realize that now she loved David? I mean, come on, give women a little more credit than that. The attitude change and "falling in love" seemed fake. I honestly do not know what changed. Christiana changed. Just like that. And all because David was such a great lover. And this was supposed to be romantic?
Christiana's fault does not stop at being naive and stupid about love. She was quick to anger. Whenever things didn't go her way, she either shut herself in the room or got mad at someone (usually David), accusing them of lying, using, misleading and misunderstanding her. The beautiful Christiana was never at fault. And she was entitled to her anger, because you know, Christiana was not happy. Someone must be responsible for that. And no no, Christiana was always right.
I would have given the book 3 stars for the writing. But Christiana made this book such an awful reading experience. I wanted to slap her but I was forced to read about how David loved her for reasons that are beyond my comprehension. Oh but how could I forget, they had great sex. It must be true love.
December 11, 2018
An innocent and an almost villain
A love story set in medieval time told unflinchingly and in keeping with the time. The pageantry, the barbaric way people act in war, the coldly calculating reasons for marriage.
I liked Christiana. She starts off as an innocent 18-year old who has lived a sheltered life; but she's intelligent, honorable, and brave. Her love for David changes him in ways he never thought possible.
David, though, he is a lot harder to like. He's 11 years older than Christiana (quite common in those days to have such a wide age gap between husband and wife), and he's a complicated character. He's calculating, shrewd, willing to bend the rules to suit himself, ruthless, and he comes very close to being the villain in this story. Only his love for Christiana stops him from becoming one.
I have to stay, although the Author did a great job in keeping the characters and story as true to the medieval time as possible, my modern upbringing kept me from enjoying this book fully. I especially couldn't shake my uneasy feeling throughout the book about the vast imbalance of dynamic between David and Christiana. He holds all the cards, his maturity and experience, his wealth, his connection with the King - he holds ALL the power over Christiana and he wields it ruthlessly. I was glad that they both love each other and their love is strong enough to change them for the better. It's a well written book though, one I still cherish after all these years.
A love story set in medieval time told unflinchingly and in keeping with the time. The pageantry, the barbaric way people act in war, the coldly calculating reasons for marriage.
I liked Christiana. She starts off as an innocent 18-year old who has lived a sheltered life; but she's intelligent, honorable, and brave. Her love for David changes him in ways he never thought possible.
David, though, he is a lot harder to like. He's 11 years older than Christiana (quite common in those days to have such a wide age gap between husband and wife), and he's a complicated character. He's calculating, shrewd, willing to bend the rules to suit himself, ruthless, and he comes very close to being the villain in this story. Only his love for Christiana stops him from becoming one.
I have to stay, although the Author did a great job in keeping the characters and story as true to the medieval time as possible, my modern upbringing kept me from enjoying this book fully. I especially couldn't shake my uneasy feeling throughout the book about the vast imbalance of dynamic between David and Christiana. He holds all the cards, his maturity and experience, his wealth, his connection with the King - he holds ALL the power over Christiana and he wields it ruthlessly. I was glad that they both love each other and their love is strong enough to change them for the better. It's a well written book though, one I still cherish after all these years.
September 7, 2020
Wow!
Not sure how I even stumbled upon this oldie, but so glad I did. I don't rread HR much. But WOW this story flows seamlessly from one moment to the next with enough but not too much description and history scattered through it's pages. NEVER have I read a story that was so unpredictable and exciting! David is the ultimate schemer, everything is so carefully and thoughtfully planned out. The heroine was a little irritating but very little, she quickly became just as interesting as her husband. One reviewer's comments called David's actions Machiavellian and I think it is a most apt description.I
I often find myself depressingly bored during HR's as well as uninterested, I tend to skip over long drawn out "scheming explanations" and scenarios. However, this book lacked any of the typical cliched pitfalls. The wording is so intelligent out together without seeming to "try too hard" I genuinely got so lost in this story I forgot everything thing else. I am glad to have read it and would also highly recommend it wholeheartedly! Of course the chemistry between H and h is amazing! Also I must not forget that I didn't find it even a little corny which is saying something considering its and HR !
Not sure how I even stumbled upon this oldie, but so glad I did. I don't rread HR much. But WOW this story flows seamlessly from one moment to the next with enough but not too much description and history scattered through it's pages. NEVER have I read a story that was so unpredictable and exciting! David is the ultimate schemer, everything is so carefully and thoughtfully planned out. The heroine was a little irritating but very little, she quickly became just as interesting as her husband. One reviewer's comments called David's actions Machiavellian and I think it is a most apt description.I
I often find myself depressingly bored during HR's as well as uninterested, I tend to skip over long drawn out "scheming explanations" and scenarios. However, this book lacked any of the typical cliched pitfalls. The wording is so intelligent out together without seeming to "try too hard" I genuinely got so lost in this story I forgot everything thing else. I am glad to have read it and would also highly recommend it wholeheartedly! Of course the chemistry between H and h is amazing! Also I must not forget that I didn't find it even a little corny which is saying something considering its and HR !
January 24, 2015
Started good and promising, but ended so bad... it was probably finished for me when she surrendered so easily, i hate when women do that , they give up their pride and freedom so easily And no , winning is not that important but fighting for what is yours is important, your pride and freedom...she just fell in love with him too soon like a stupid girl , and was secondary in the story, in everything because everything was about him and she was just the annoying addition.I would've enjoyed the story if it was about him from the very start without the cheap romance.
October 5, 2015
É sempre com muito prazer que leio um livro de Madeleine Hunter , nunca fico desiludida, este é mais um romance histórico maravilhoso, que nos fala das conspirações e traições da época. Dá-nos dá a conhecer um romance entre Lady Christiana, e um perfeito desconhecido, David de Abyndon ,e que devido a um interesse do rei Eduardo faz um negocio para casar a aristocrata e o mercador, sendo este considerado muito abaixo dos seus sonhos para seu futuro marido.
Uma história intrigante ,um amor incondicional.
Uma história intrigante ,um amor incondicional.
January 9, 2012
(2.5/5)
Nunca havia lido qualquer livro desta autora, tendo encontrado a oportunidade de o fazer quando ganhei este volume num passatempo.
“Casamento de Conveniência” passa-se em Inglaterra, mais concretamente em Londres, Corte Real, no século XIV. Christiana Fitzwaryn, uma bela rapariga órfã de uma linhagem nobre, à tutela do Rei, encontra-se demasiado velha para casar, sendo completamente inocente e desconhecedora da vida. Quando é arrancada dos braços de quem pensa ser o amor da sua vida e é lançada num casamento arranjado pelo Rei, com um homem de uma estirpe mais baixa que a sua, um enigmático mercador, tenta ao máximo que o mesmo não se efectue, utilizando todas as razões do mundo para que David recuse casar com ela, contudo ele mostra-se irredutível.
Estive durante algum tempo sem saber bem o que escrever sobre este livro, porque a verdade é que gostei, mas não o achei nada de extraordinário e passo a explicar porquê.
Inicialmente tornou-se para mim difícil ficar ligada às personagens. Não conseguia perceber convenientemente David, por tomar certos comportamentos que me confundiam, e por outro lado considerava que a Christiana era deveras mimada e até um pouco irritante; demasiado inocente, especialmente quando se referiu a sua virgindade, porque por muito inocente que seja, pareceu-me forçado o momento em que ela não sabia se era realmente virgem ou não; e depois pelo facto de se tornar extremamente dependente do marido. Não me interpretem mal, mas primeiro não queria saber dele e depois, de um momento para o outro, passa a amá-lo de uma forma avassaladora, o que para mim é estranho, porque acredito que ela poderia aprender a amar, porém não desta forma.
Quanto à estória em si achei interessantes os detalhes históricos patentes no mesmo, contendo alguns momentos emocionantes, especialmente as partes de acção, que, pessoalmente, gostaria de ter visto melhor desenvolvidas. Relativamente à escrita de Madeline Hunter mostrou-se simples e incute-nos vontade de saber sempre um pouco mais.
Assim, “Casamento de conveniência” foi um livro que me deu prazer a ler e que me entreteu durante algum tempo, mas que não me marcou sobremaneira.
(http://magia-livros.blogspot.com/2012...)
Nunca havia lido qualquer livro desta autora, tendo encontrado a oportunidade de o fazer quando ganhei este volume num passatempo.
“Casamento de Conveniência” passa-se em Inglaterra, mais concretamente em Londres, Corte Real, no século XIV. Christiana Fitzwaryn, uma bela rapariga órfã de uma linhagem nobre, à tutela do Rei, encontra-se demasiado velha para casar, sendo completamente inocente e desconhecedora da vida. Quando é arrancada dos braços de quem pensa ser o amor da sua vida e é lançada num casamento arranjado pelo Rei, com um homem de uma estirpe mais baixa que a sua, um enigmático mercador, tenta ao máximo que o mesmo não se efectue, utilizando todas as razões do mundo para que David recuse casar com ela, contudo ele mostra-se irredutível.
Estive durante algum tempo sem saber bem o que escrever sobre este livro, porque a verdade é que gostei, mas não o achei nada de extraordinário e passo a explicar porquê.
Inicialmente tornou-se para mim difícil ficar ligada às personagens. Não conseguia perceber convenientemente David, por tomar certos comportamentos que me confundiam, e por outro lado considerava que a Christiana era deveras mimada e até um pouco irritante; demasiado inocente, especialmente quando se referiu a sua virgindade, porque por muito inocente que seja, pareceu-me forçado o momento em que ela não sabia se era realmente virgem ou não; e depois pelo facto de se tornar extremamente dependente do marido. Não me interpretem mal, mas primeiro não queria saber dele e depois, de um momento para o outro, passa a amá-lo de uma forma avassaladora, o que para mim é estranho, porque acredito que ela poderia aprender a amar, porém não desta forma.
Quanto à estória em si achei interessantes os detalhes históricos patentes no mesmo, contendo alguns momentos emocionantes, especialmente as partes de acção, que, pessoalmente, gostaria de ter visto melhor desenvolvidas. Relativamente à escrita de Madeline Hunter mostrou-se simples e incute-nos vontade de saber sempre um pouco mais.
Assim, “Casamento de conveniência” foi um livro que me deu prazer a ler e que me entreteu durante algum tempo, mas que não me marcou sobremaneira.
(http://magia-livros.blogspot.com/2012...)
July 27, 2014
This was a little challenging at first because the female protagonist was truly a child at the beginning, having been sheltered for so long without any exposure to the outside world. She was frustrating to read about. But I could see where the story was ideally supposed to go, and had some indications that it would indeed go there, and the writing was very good, so I continued reading.
I was not disappointed, but not entirely satisfied, either. This is to some extent a coming of age story on the female protagonist's side. She grows into a woman. But she never exactly has a shining moment illustrating her true independence. Given the time period (circa mid-1300s), the odds were stacked against her being able to have any sort of independence, but still I was waiting for *something* and never quite got it. She did take some decisive action at a key moment, but it didn't require much effort or sacrifice from her: she just decided what was needed and then acted on it. In the end, as can be expected, she did end up in a harmonious relationship with her husband, whose story this really was. That's probably the best she could hope for in reality. But it's not reality, it's fiction! Give me something to cheer for. So I wouldn't quite call her a heroine in the Hero/heroine sense of the genre.
I still really enjoyed this and will probably read it again. I'll also seek out other books by this author.
I was not disappointed, but not entirely satisfied, either. This is to some extent a coming of age story on the female protagonist's side. She grows into a woman. But she never exactly has a shining moment illustrating her true independence. Given the time period (circa mid-1300s), the odds were stacked against her being able to have any sort of independence, but still I was waiting for *something* and never quite got it. She did take some decisive action at a key moment, but it didn't require much effort or sacrifice from her: she just decided what was needed and then acted on it. In the end, as can be expected, she did end up in a harmonious relationship with her husband, whose story this really was. That's probably the best she could hope for in reality. But it's not reality, it's fiction! Give me something to cheer for. So I wouldn't quite call her a heroine in the Hero/heroine sense of the genre.
I still really enjoyed this and will probably read it again. I'll also seek out other books by this author.
March 29, 2014
Um casamento arranjado era tudo que Christiana não queria, pois já estava apaixonada por outro e o Rei a comprometeu com David de Abyndon, um mercador rico que pagara um dote alto por ela. E um casamento fora dos padrões pois ele era um plebeu e ela da nobreza. Mais por trás deste casamento havia interesses ocultos e esse compromisso era uma fachada que cobria os interesses do Rei. Quando ela foi atrás dele para tentar desfazer o compromisso, percebeu que ele não era o que parecia e nem um velho como imaginava, ao invés disso, encontrou alguém que não recuava ante ameaça alguma, tinha um voz encantadora e era um homem bastante atraente. Esse encontro foi determinante para que ele percebesse que por trás dessa garota meio ingênua, havia uma mulher que era capaz de cativá-lo. E assim ele começa a envolvê-la como um aranha envolve sua presa na teia, primeiros beijos apaixonados, logo situações comprometedoras para que ela não pudesse escapar. Intrigas, mentiras e lutas de poder são a temática deste romance,além dos segredos que podem separá-los...
Este romance me proporcionou bons momentos de leitura com cenas apaixonantes, embora em alguns momentos se arraste um pouco, mas nada que não permita apreciá-lo..
Este romance me proporcionou bons momentos de leitura com cenas apaixonantes, embora em alguns momentos se arraste um pouco, mas nada que não permita apreciá-lo..
January 6, 2018
Relativamente aos livros anteriores, que tive a oportunidade de ler da autora, este terá sido o que provavelmente despertou mais sentimentos contraditórios em mim.
Talvez tenha sido a personagem de David, pois não consegui encaixar, nem seguir o seu ritmo ao longo do livro, deixando-me sentir de certa forma desconfortável perante algumas das reações da personagem.
A forma como a relação entre ambos, David e Christiana evoluiu, deixou-me um pouco desiludida, no entanto achei interessante o desfeche da história. Penso que a autora poderia ter explorado um pouco mais a época histórica, e talvez abordassem de outro ponto de vista a proveniência da Christiana, dando desta forma protagonismo a Morvan e à sua demanda para a reconquista das terras da família.
Considero uma leitura leve e simples, mas ainda assim, penso que a construção infantil da personagem de Christiana deixou muito a desejar...
Talvez tenha sido a personagem de David, pois não consegui encaixar, nem seguir o seu ritmo ao longo do livro, deixando-me sentir de certa forma desconfortável perante algumas das reações da personagem.
A forma como a relação entre ambos, David e Christiana evoluiu, deixou-me um pouco desiludida, no entanto achei interessante o desfeche da história. Penso que a autora poderia ter explorado um pouco mais a época histórica, e talvez abordassem de outro ponto de vista a proveniência da Christiana, dando desta forma protagonismo a Morvan e à sua demanda para a reconquista das terras da família.
Considero uma leitura leve e simples, mas ainda assim, penso que a construção infantil da personagem de Christiana deixou muito a desejar...
January 10, 2026
4 Stars
Welp, I loved it. I wasn't expecting to like this one as much as I did book one but in many ways it was better.
I liked both MCs Christiana and David. David was fascinating with his secrets and favors for the king. He was mysterious and intelligent. I think what I loved most about David was his sense of justice and his incredible patience and kindness when it came to sealing with Christiana.
Christiana was an equally fascinating character. One I would usually be predisposed to dislike. She was all of eighteen and when the book opens that feels like an incredibly young eighteen. Despite her age, as the book progresses we see more of the young girl who is maturing and finding her way as a young woman. We see her intelligence on display many times throughout her relationship with David. But we also see her blossom and find her confidence.
I didn't actually expect to like her tbh. As I said I usually gravitate toward impatience toward such characters and the behavior she began with at the beginning of the book. But ironically I found her actions and behavior amusing and entertaining. I found it understandable in a way for a young woman who felt sure of the world she orbited and her place in it to act. She obviously had much to learn and throughout her journey, especially in her relationship with David, she comes to see and learn about the world. I truly felt for her when her realization of just how naive and uneducated she was about so much came to light. It was hardly her fault with how sheltered she had been but still. Her reaction and feelings about it were raw and real.
I think more than anything my favorite part of this book was David and Christiana. I was a bit wary with the age gap at first, and especially so because David liked to call her "girl" more than I had liked, especially when gently scolding her. So, the vibe at times would wobble a bit there but if I managed to overlook the way the use of "girl" made me feel at times then it was fine. It just threw off the dynamic for me, but thankfully it eventually became more of "my girl" and "darling" much of the book although the constant use of "my girl" made me invision David with an monocle as if he was a wisened old man 😂
But I digress. I really loved their dynamic as it evolved. I found David's approach and handling of Christiana's feelings for Sir Stephen and her foolish romantic ideals surrounding him brilliant. He had an immense amount of patience and he did her such kindness by allowing her a chance to get to know him before their wedding. He eased her into their relationship with such gentleness at times I found it incredibly sweet. And sure he had his own motives, of course. But I loved how he handled the situation. He could have easily been cruel or mean and insisted Christiana face what kind of man Sir Stephen was and his obvious misuse of her. But he didn't, he understood quite well what she was experiencing and how difficult it could be to choose to face reality and let the romantic illusion crumble.
The fact he stood by and courted her and proved himself to her all the while and in turn allowed Christiana to question her own feelings for the man she claimed to love and compare his treatment of her with how David treated her with gentleness and respect was perfect. He knew she needed to come to the realization and knowledge on her own and with her own experience, knowing she was too stubborn to simply be told to accept it. David saw too much and knew exactly how to maneuver Christiana, but it wasn't manipulative or self serving. He needed her to face the truth as most everybody saw it but her. He knew they'd know no happiness if she didn't and knew it was a risk he was taking with his own future but knew the reward would be worth it if she could come to him of her own choosing.
Honestly I adored much of the first half of the story. All of their little moments and conversations where Christiana couldn't help her own curiosity regarding him and her own attraction to him. I especially loved their honest conversations. Never more so than when Christiana realized she was still a virgin after all. Her conversation with her brother Morvan and then David were so hilarious but incredibly endearing with how they all reacted to the knowledge. Especially Christiana and David. He was just perfect for her. I think she definitely benefited having an older husband who carried such wisdom and patience and saw more than most. She needed that security and patience which allowed her to grow and blossom without embarrassment of her own naivety or fear of failure.
While I wasn't much a fan of the angst when it came, although I knew it was coming, I didn't like how it disrupted the entire book imo. I felt like it should have been resolved before the political plot took over. I hated that David didn't believe her and they never had a chance to air it all out and make up properly before she was taken and the political plot became the center piece of the story. I'll admit, that disappointed me so much after how wonderful the first half was. Especially because of the separation between them and then knowing it'd wrap up soon abruptly as this author always does.
But I still stand by my love of it. I really enjoyed it even if I was disappointed with how the last half played out. I enjoyed the romance and the MCs, I even enjoyed nearly all the side characters as well. I didn't care for the ambiguous and vague way the author wrote David and his mysterious revenge plot in the first half especially. At times even that came across confusing due to how vague it was. Otherwise it might be my favorite of the series next to book one.
Also, why is it that none of these FMCs find themselves pregnant during their actual story? It's always later if they appear in another book. I'm sure some of the. would get pregnant on the first time and others might take longer. Seems a bit convenient and not all that realistic tbh but 🤷🏻♀️
Welp, I loved it. I wasn't expecting to like this one as much as I did book one but in many ways it was better.
I liked both MCs Christiana and David. David was fascinating with his secrets and favors for the king. He was mysterious and intelligent. I think what I loved most about David was his sense of justice and his incredible patience and kindness when it came to sealing with Christiana.
Christiana was an equally fascinating character. One I would usually be predisposed to dislike. She was all of eighteen and when the book opens that feels like an incredibly young eighteen. Despite her age, as the book progresses we see more of the young girl who is maturing and finding her way as a young woman. We see her intelligence on display many times throughout her relationship with David. But we also see her blossom and find her confidence.
I didn't actually expect to like her tbh. As I said I usually gravitate toward impatience toward such characters and the behavior she began with at the beginning of the book. But ironically I found her actions and behavior amusing and entertaining. I found it understandable in a way for a young woman who felt sure of the world she orbited and her place in it to act. She obviously had much to learn and throughout her journey, especially in her relationship with David, she comes to see and learn about the world. I truly felt for her when her realization of just how naive and uneducated she was about so much came to light. It was hardly her fault with how sheltered she had been but still. Her reaction and feelings about it were raw and real.
I think more than anything my favorite part of this book was David and Christiana. I was a bit wary with the age gap at first, and especially so because David liked to call her "girl" more than I had liked, especially when gently scolding her. So, the vibe at times would wobble a bit there but if I managed to overlook the way the use of "girl" made me feel at times then it was fine. It just threw off the dynamic for me, but thankfully it eventually became more of "my girl" and "darling" much of the book although the constant use of "my girl" made me invision David with an monocle as if he was a wisened old man 😂
But I digress. I really loved their dynamic as it evolved. I found David's approach and handling of Christiana's feelings for Sir Stephen and her foolish romantic ideals surrounding him brilliant. He had an immense amount of patience and he did her such kindness by allowing her a chance to get to know him before their wedding. He eased her into their relationship with such gentleness at times I found it incredibly sweet. And sure he had his own motives, of course. But I loved how he handled the situation. He could have easily been cruel or mean and insisted Christiana face what kind of man Sir Stephen was and his obvious misuse of her. But he didn't, he understood quite well what she was experiencing and how difficult it could be to choose to face reality and let the romantic illusion crumble.
The fact he stood by and courted her and proved himself to her all the while and in turn allowed Christiana to question her own feelings for the man she claimed to love and compare his treatment of her with how David treated her with gentleness and respect was perfect. He knew she needed to come to the realization and knowledge on her own and with her own experience, knowing she was too stubborn to simply be told to accept it. David saw too much and knew exactly how to maneuver Christiana, but it wasn't manipulative or self serving. He needed her to face the truth as most everybody saw it but her. He knew they'd know no happiness if she didn't and knew it was a risk he was taking with his own future but knew the reward would be worth it if she could come to him of her own choosing.
Honestly I adored much of the first half of the story. All of their little moments and conversations where Christiana couldn't help her own curiosity regarding him and her own attraction to him. I especially loved their honest conversations. Never more so than when Christiana realized she was still a virgin after all. Her conversation with her brother Morvan and then David were so hilarious but incredibly endearing with how they all reacted to the knowledge. Especially Christiana and David. He was just perfect for her. I think she definitely benefited having an older husband who carried such wisdom and patience and saw more than most. She needed that security and patience which allowed her to grow and blossom without embarrassment of her own naivety or fear of failure.
While I wasn't much a fan of the angst when it came, although I knew it was coming, I didn't like how it disrupted the entire book imo. I felt like it should have been resolved before the political plot took over. I hated that David didn't believe her and they never had a chance to air it all out and make up properly before she was taken and the political plot became the center piece of the story. I'll admit, that disappointed me so much after how wonderful the first half was. Especially because of the separation between them and then knowing it'd wrap up soon abruptly as this author always does.
But I still stand by my love of it. I really enjoyed it even if I was disappointed with how the last half played out. I enjoyed the romance and the MCs, I even enjoyed nearly all the side characters as well. I didn't care for the ambiguous and vague way the author wrote David and his mysterious revenge plot in the first half especially. At times even that came across confusing due to how vague it was. Otherwise it might be my favorite of the series next to book one.
Also, why is it that none of these FMCs find themselves pregnant during their actual story? It's always later if they appear in another book. I'm sure some of the. would get pregnant on the first time and others might take longer. Seems a bit convenient and not all that realistic tbh but 🤷🏻♀️
October 25, 2017
This is a wonderful historical and it stars off well. Christiana is given to a common merchant, David who is actually a French Comte but doesn't care about titles. Either way his Viking/ Nordic looks and her innocence are a perfect match. I liked that the book dwells on the effects of war, David resenting pillage and bloodshed, that he repeatedly tells King Edward and is kind of his moral compass. It's a beautiful romance with just the right push and pull between the two leads. Loved the couple and the banter between them, sizzling.
May 31, 2015
In By Arrangement one can tell the author did her historical research. There is no 21century attitudes from the heroine. A very compelling read. My only negative issue is the story is told in a way one doesn't see what motivates characters till the last few chapters. I'm not a big fan of this layered way of storytelling. I get frustrated not knowing why a main character acts the way he/she acts til later.
January 15, 2024
5 stars
David and Christiana
Romance, rivalry and conquest, it worked!
Jan 2024 I’ve read this a few times now and it’s still solid. I’ve also read the others in the series and this is my favorite. Hunter’s writing immerses you into the intrigue and romance of the story, you are in that place and time, the characters fully formed and dynamic. David has consistently appeared throughout the series and his story is the strongest.
David and Christiana
Romance, rivalry and conquest, it worked!
Jan 2024 I’ve read this a few times now and it’s still solid. I’ve also read the others in the series and this is my favorite. Hunter’s writing immerses you into the intrigue and romance of the story, you are in that place and time, the characters fully formed and dynamic. David has consistently appeared throughout the series and his story is the strongest.
August 17, 2019
Medieval surprise
I read a lot of historical novels and those set in the Middle Ages are not usually my first choice. I’m happy to export that By Arrangement was a happy surprise. Excellent pacing and great character development combined with wonderful descriptive writing and moments of real suspense and tension make for an immersive reading experience. I recommend it.
I read a lot of historical novels and those set in the Middle Ages are not usually my first choice. I’m happy to export that By Arrangement was a happy surprise. Excellent pacing and great character development combined with wonderful descriptive writing and moments of real suspense and tension make for an immersive reading experience. I recommend it.
March 14, 2020
3 Stars
October 17, 2019
Some wonderfully honest" man speech" ! On my forever shelf!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews