An Arrangement of Sorts

Arrangements #1

by Rebecca Connolly

He was intrigued...

Nathaniel Hammond, Earl of Beverton, is working to restore his new estate and aid his tenants. But everything changes when he meets the beautiful and mysterious Moira Dennison, a bold young woman who offers to hire him, unaware of his title, to help her find her fiancé. Curious and unable to resist, Nathan accepts her offer, keeping his true identity a secret, never dreaming of what the future held for him.

She was desperate...

Moira is set on finding Charles now that she has come into her inheritance. With her new-found wealth and independence, she is determined to locate her betrothed so they may finally
marry. With Nathan as her guide, she feels confident in the path before her. But when their arrangement forces them closer together, she finds her chosen path may not be as clear
as she thought.

Genres: Romance, Regency, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Clean Romance, Fiction

255 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2015

About the author

I was born once upon a time, and I started making up stories right away. Eventually, I started writing them down, and never stopped! I have a day job, which gets in the way of my writing, but it pays the bills so I CAN write, so I guess that's okay! I am a bookworm, which I think is key to being a writer, and I am always looking for inspiration! I live in Indiana, am obsessed with hot chocolate, and I am on track to be the best aunt in the world.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I give this ten stars!!! I loved this book and it goes to my top favorite book list! Wow what a fun read, I laughed and giggled and hurt for these two amazing characters. What a fun story and a GREAT romance. WOw! The banter between these two is something very few writers can pull off and Connolly does it beautifully! I would have paid 16 dollars for the book do not let the Kindle 2$ price make you think this is a silly cheep book. I have already bought her other and plan to start it as soon as I can!
ReRead- Good Heavens I love this author. She writes my perfect book. After reading her 17th book I wanted to reread the first book of hers I read, it did not disappoint. This is one of the only times I am grateful for a bad memory, I forget what is inside books. This was a delight to read and enjoy all over again. I loved it.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this series completely out of order. Started with Book Three, then read Book Two, Four, Five and then the first. I had actually started the first a long time ago, but had a hard time getting into it. After reading and loving the third book, I decided to give the series another try. Not sure why I didn't connect with this one when I did with the other, I guess I just didn't care for Moira all that much. I don't mind her in the rest of the series, but I didn't click with her here. I know a lot of people love this first book, so it's probably just me. I really enjoyed these five books though and look forward to more.

Content: Clean

[Matia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this book for Kindle, after hearing the author being interviewed on the MormonChannel for writing clean romance fiction. Rebecca Connolly shows promise as a new author. I say that because I wanted to finish the book and by the end, I felt I cared about the characters. There were a few things that were disappointing. First since this was supposed to be clean fiction AND historical fiction, I was uncomfortable with the male and female characters settling right into traveling unchaperoned together, posing as a married couple, and sleeping together on the same bed at one point, though it was sexless. I am no historian, but I've read enough Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, to understand that those actions would be considered immoral in and of themselves, so most characters would not be so casual about it, unless they were already debauched. So on the whole although the book had nothing immoral in it by 21st century standards, it felt anachronistic for the 19th century. As far as anachronisms go, I could have forgiven a Coca Cola bottle before all the above. Maybe the author would be more comfortable writing clean romance fiction in a contemporary setting.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first novel by Rebecca Connolly and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Nathaniel Hammond is the new Earl of Beverton since his uncle died. There's so much to do to restore the estate and help his tenants because his uncle chose to ignore what needed to be done. While he and his friends, who had been helping him help his tenants, are at a nearby pub when Moira Dennison comes in looking for Nathaniel. She wants to hire him to help her find her fiancé, Charles Allenford, who she hasn't heard from in over a year. Nathan accepts and the next day they start on their journey to Hampshire to try to find Charles.

Nathan is a gentleman in every sense of the word--helping ladies onto their horses, opening doors, allowing them to enter a room first, etc. Moira is an independent woman who isn't very "ladylike" and doesn't understand why she needs to let Nathan help her onto her horse or open doors when she's perfectly capable of doing it herself. There's a huge discussion between about this a couple of days into their journey looking for Charles.

Nathan and Moira pretend they're married when they check into inns as they travel, and they take turns checking in making up the names and they're situations. I found this part of the book very humorous. On one occasion to avoid eating some foul smelling stew Moira tells the innkeeper's wife she's "with child"! I died laughing wondering what would happen when Nathan found out. Moira and Nathan find out all about each other as they travel by asking "what's your favorite___?", we find out why Moira is the kind of woman she is and how she came into her inheritance, and she finds out about Nathan's time in the military. She doesn't find out that Nathan is an Earl until almost the end of the book.

I really enjoyed this story and the characters in it. There are so many witty back and forth quips between Nathan and Moira, some of it quite funny. They're both good people with flaws that each readily acknowledges. They are both good people with flaws that they readily acknowledge. When we first meet Moira, she comes across as a strong woman, but we find out it's all an act. She is strong willed and we find out why as she opens up to Nathan. The book has an epilogue which I always enjoy since it gives a glimpse into their lives later on--in this case several years later.

One of my favorite lines is from Nathan talking about marriage fairly early in the book. "But friendship, affection, or some other mutual understanding must be considered. And if you do not choose that, and a marriage for temporal reasons is all, then you can have no reason to be unhappy about it, and no room for complaint."

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I did make it through to the end, I have to admit that by the end, I didn’t really care what happened. I did not connect with the story and I especially did not connect with the characters. The first half of the book, Moira annoyed me to the point I almost walked away several times not to mention the behavior being completely out of place for the time period. It’s easier to overlook some of these things when there are great elements to compensate, but unfortunately I could not find those things. I love great period romances, but I love the journey and I want to feel the chemistry and root for the lovers to come to understand one another. The love has to be earned and when a hero or heroine is so unlikeable and shows no endearing qualities, it’s a little to hard to accept the attraction that just magically appears out of no where when the character has done nothing to earn it and everything to repel it. I don’t know, maybe I’m the problem, but I just don’t get the very common trope of dashing hero falls in love with snippy, stubborn, mean girl. I’ve read reviews where it is said there is a Pride & Prejudice feel, but if so, it was lost on me. Elizabeth Bennet was not mean, snippy and petty. There is a difference between teasing and snarky, witty and incivility, playful and argumentative. Jane Austen was a master and set the bar very high. I can only imagine how difficult it would be to try and create similar characters and more often than not falling short in the attempt. I admire the effort here, but it fell short of the mark in my opinion.

[Diana · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was terrible. I'd like to meet anyone who made it past chapter 4. The heroine is so b****y to the guy during his point of view sections and then when we see the story through her eyes in the next chapter, her internal dialogue is nothing like who she is to the guy. I couldn't stand her. And the Regency setting is arbitrary and was probably chosen to cache in on niche readers. Her riding alone on a horse by herself traveling from town to town searching for someone is better set in the Wild West. The plausibility of a single young woman traveling alone on horseback during 1800s England is unlikely.

[Heidi]

Such a fun lighthearted read

It took me a bit to get into this one but once I did I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! I absolutely fell in love with the characters and their fun banter. The ending definitely will go down as a favorite among endings. So cute. Fun, clean, enjoyable Regency!

[Shash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moira Dennison searches out Nathaniel Hammond and asks his help in finding her fiancé. What she doesn't know is that Nathaniel Hammond is the Earl of Beverton. Nathan agrees to help her, but keeps his title a secret.

This book was delightful! I thoroughly enjoyed it! I loved the banter between Nathan and Moira, the stories they came up with each night at the inns, and the way her determination to be independent and his desire to be a gentleman clashed. And the chemistry between them...wow! The romantic tension and angst of forbidden love was palpable. I loved the way the ending came together!! And there's an epilogue. :)

This is the first book I've read by Rebecca Connolly. It is also the first book in her Arrangement series. I met Nathan's four friends in this one, and I will definitely be reading their stories!

[Cyndib · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sometimes you just want to read a light, regency romance. But I couldn't get into this one. It all seemed so implausible that I couldn't even get swept along for the ride.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded down to three
Review to follow

[Dew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick and fun read. It makes me want to read more HR novels.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I knew more about how to write a true review so I could fly by on more than the seat of by pants.

Anyway, my primary issue with this book was that it was comprised of at least 75% dialog--conversation between the main characters and others. There was some inner dialog as well. This seemed an odd device to me. In the beginning of the book, I was just dropped down into a group conversation that seemed to go on and on without any explanation. Then the two main characters took a week-long horse ride where they just talked and talked--for at least half the trip--about what seemed to me like trivia or minutia. I can't say it didn't ultimately work to have primarily dialog (maybe it did, maybe it didn't) but it did take most of the book to get me involved with the characters and their story. The transition of my thoughts was: (a) I wanted to stop reading--struggling with what was my initial response to the book for about 1/4th of the book; (b) grudgingly reading just to find out what happened but not being very into the story or the characters--my second response that lasted until well past half way; and finally (c) reading because I cared to know what happened to the characters (the last 1/4th of the book). It was a two-star book to me until I finished reading and felt it had somehow risen to three stars there at the end. In other words, the end did an Herculean lift to what was solidly a two-star book most of the way through. (I give an automatic 2 stars minimum for finishing any book.)

There were also some other issues. I felt this book was not thoroughgoingly Regency--really, it could just as well have been set in another time and maybe should have been since it fell short of the Regency mark. Next, I thought it odd to ride horses--clearly their destination was far away, though of course that allowed time for more conversation. Third, I thought it odd that, as honorable as he was, Nathan hadn't insisted on someone from his staff to accompany them, horse back or not, last minute or not. Fourth, I thought it profoundly odd that no one packed even a change of clothes or shoes, particularly when the destination was clearly far away. At a minimum, they could have purchased a change of clothes rather than constantly borrowing/stealing. Fifth, it was odd to me that they seemed to pass no one on the road, as though they rode through England with no one else abroad in the land. So (a) some things felt falsely Regency, (b) some things felt not true to the characters, and (c) some things just felt illogical.

In sum, I did not hate the book but I do not recommend it, either.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book for my love of all things Austen, as the writer professed to be. This to me was way off the Austen period, I understood she was raised by an unfeeling, and at time very cruel aunt, but she rebelled in so many ways as to be nonsensical, as Jane would say. Travelling alone by horse, and going into public houses, or taverns in search of a man again alone. Refusing to wear bonnets or ever tie her hair back, and ride full straddle across the horses back, and cussing in front of a man. Plus she really said over and over she did not need a man, and wore pants to climb down drain pipes to sleep again alone in the tavern, and inn barns. She kept saying how rich she was, and two rooms would certainly been more with a proper. setting. Nathan could certainly been a relative, such as a cousin.It also took me awhile to get used to a book of just dialogue. There were fun parts, and endearing parts, but no woman would go willingly into Inns and get the same room back then, and also announce a pregnancy, even if made up. That was not something discussed in taverns, especially by ladies. I read many clean regency books as well, and this one though to be fair did grow on me toward the end, needed to be set in a different time period. The wording was not right either, and it just set the book off balance for true Jane Austen time period writing. I gave it a three, not because the characters were underdeveloped or anything. The idea that a wealthy lady in those times would chase down a suitor, with a stranger, on a horse with no chaperone, seemed way over the top. I am not sorry I read it, but would not recommend It ,to true regency lovers of Jane Austen. Both leading characters lacked in decorum. She would have been a Lydia, just not as silly, and he who was described over and over as a man of honor, would not have been considered that if their play acting got out. He would of had to marry her, and She with wealth or no wealth would always have been shunned by the ton. A fun story for a wealthy gent in more modern times, who faces down a strong willed girl, who can be funny as well, as charming. The rouring twenties perhaps.....

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased a few of Rebecca Connolly's books last year when she held a Facebook party. I’m ashamed to admit that it took me this long to get around to reading them.

This book is great! I loved Moira and Nathaniel!

First the reader meets Nathaniel. He’s helping fix the roof of one of his tenants with some friends at the beginning of this book. That’s not something you usually see the earls doing in Regency Romances, but it endears him to the reader from the beginning. He’s relaxing with his closest friends in the neighborhood pub when Moira stomps in and demands that he go with her to find her missing fiance. Wow! And he actually goes. That’s where the fun begins!

Moira…I wasn’t quite sure what to think of her at first. It’s not common for ladies to go around demanding things of gentleman. And she certainly didn’t have terribly many ladylike ways. But she was sweet. And I loved learning why she was the way she was. She was a sweetheart, but she did so many things that made me laugh! I loved her character.

The plot of this one is so great! I loved the adventure that Nathaniel and Moira embarked on together. Especially when I found out that they were going together with a story of being married. I knew that would bring up all sorts of sticky situations for the pair. And it did! There are so many laugh out loud moments because of their story. I loved everything about it, including the way it ends. I wasn’t sure how I wanted it to end. But it was perfect!

I loved this one and can’t wait to read more by this author!

[Daisy_walden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A regency romance in its best form! Moira is a strong willed woman and Nathan is a sweet gentleman that is intrigued and annoyed by her....For example, throughout the story, they are traveling companions who have to pretend they are married for propriety sake, so when they go to their room for the night, Nathan climbs out the window to go sleep in the stables. Moira insists on taking her turn doing the same the next night! It makes for a perfect story of falling in love.

[Brooke -Brooke's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable historical romance. Moira was a hoot.

[Lesr · Rating 2 out of 5]

could not finish. too cheesy.

[Lydia Cherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

call me crazy but i like my FMC and MMC to know each other for more than one week before they decide they are madly in love and want to spend the rest of their lives together

[Casey Hamilton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't connect with this book at all. I felt like the main character rebelled in ways that were inappropriate to the Regency Era, and she was basically a modern girl stuck into the time period to make a point. I also felt like the premise of the book was shaky - that Moira needed someone to go get this Fiance she hadn't talked to in several years who maybe didn't like her much to begin with.
I didn't understand why she just didn't presume he had found someone else after that length of time. It didn't seem that she was terribly in need of rescuing by the finance. Yeah, her home life wasn't great but it wasn't DIRE.

The dialogue was certainly quippy, but I also felt like the author left out important chunks of the novel. It was all the two characters bantering at various inns and none of the in between stuff to give relief. After a while it started to feel like I was reading the same scene over and over.

I think Connolly shows promise as a writer. Her style is good. It's just that the plot and decisions as an author on scenes etc. weren't quite there yet for me.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spunk

The heroine is a spunky young lady who is used to doing things on her own and has yet to understand the power in being a lady. The hero is strong yet hesitant. I wish he would have spoken about the value to being a lady instead of only why it was important for him to be the gentleman. (I felt this story tipped a bit towards the woman's lib agenda and missed the point that being honored and held in high regard is shown through these tiny actions of gentlemen like holding doors.) I liked how they were not constrained by societies silly rules of class distinctions. The romance was sweet and gradual and there were enough trials along the way without having a villain. I will definitely read this again.

[Tenille Berezay · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing I would change about this romance. Sweet without being over the top cheesy and really likable characters!

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Moira's aunt dies, Moira needs help tracking down her fiancé. After asking around, Moira finds Nathan and asks for his help, thinking that he is just a former soldier, not realizing she's petitioning a lord. What follows is an interesting journey full of quick wit, and humorous moments, as Nathan and Moira travel together as "husband and wife".

I loved the story, and I loved the characters, especially Nathan's friends (who I hope will each get their own books)! The only complaint I have is that Moira is traveling alone with a man, which would have destroyed her reputation. It allowed for them to pretend, which was hilarious, and form a close relationship, but that aspect didn't seem accurate for the time period.

Content: clean-some kissing, no violence, no language

[Faith.n.clean.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story! Loved the slow burn and banter between the main characters. Loved the question game they played on the trip. I want to say so much but don't want to spoil the story! There were secret identities, a love triangle and normally I'm not into that storyline, but it was dealt with well and had you guessing who would end up together. There were some triggers one swear word(H***), PTSD of past grief, abuse, and current nightmares, but it was handled well and fit into the story. This was book one of an 8 book series and can't wait to read the others! I highly recommend this book if you enjoy lots of banter and romance. I give this book 5 stars.

[Loretta Marchize · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found much of this not realistic to the regency setting. It would have been much better set somewhere else. (also not quite enough plot, but that is personal taste) In the regency era a man and woman would have never traveled alone together- whether or not they were pretending to be married. Their reputations would be ruined. I also found it odd that even though Nate had 'so much' to do at his home he still chose to go with Moria.
Content: an unmarried man and woman sleep in the same bed (nothing happens between them), an unmarried man and woman sleep in the same room (one on the floor)

[Kristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't love this. I'm not really a huge regency novel reader, so I usually struggle to get through them. I had a really hard time trying to convince myself that the story takes place in 1800s England...the writing and dialogue just kept screaming American West to me, so that was really distracting. There are a few more books in this series, but I'm not sure if I'll read them or not.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - I can't stand the heroine, Moira. Why is she rude to Nathaniel? I knits I'm in the minority here since so many reviewers found her to be spunky and strong, but she drove me nuts. It also was supposed to take place in regency-era but their speech and actions were nothing of that time period. That was bugging me too.

[Melanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was horrible. There is just no other way to describe it. I made it to chapter 7 but it was painful to continue reading. Moira was a 21st century woman transplanted in the Regency era. I just could not make myself suffer through reading more of this. My life is to short to read junk like this.

[Rebecca Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable…

I am not going to lie, I would have liked a few more sizzling moments, but it was a delightful story nonetheless. I love all of the characters and can’t wait to read another story as soon as possible.

[Hannah Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started off loving this book! The banter between the Moira and Nathan was hilarious and they were always getting into scrapes that had me wanting to laugh out loud! Their romance was cute and sweet and they started off as being friends as she’s engaged to someone else. However, the third act conflict was really annoying. It all stemmed from a lack of communication. Which I get; he didn’t want to tell her his feelings because she was engaged and she didn’t want to tell him hers for the same reason. And I get she’s confused about her feelings because of the engagement; she did love Charles. But it took way too long in my opinion for them to get to the point of figuring out the other did in fact love them and even longer for them to get back together. I didn’t read the epilogue as it was pretty long and irrelevant and I was tired of it at that point. But I will continue the series and will read other books by this author because I really liked her writing!
Content warning: very mild language; a few uses of the h word and one of the d word.

[Kiersti Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enough twists and complexity that I was thoroughly smiling and enjoying myself.