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Arrangements #4
The Dangers of Doing Good
The road to love…
Life had never been particularly kind to Annie Ramsey. She was poor, uneducated, and without any prospects except misery and pain at the hands of her brother, or whomever he decides she ought to marry. But when a handsome, kind stranger offers her another way, she must decide if she is brave enough to change her situation. Or if she dares to hope for more.
…is paved with good intentions.
Duncan Bray could not resist the urge to help the young woman he found in the wintery chill of Yorkshire, feeling driven to save her from the dismal life she lived. Taking her to London and introducing her to a new life there would provide opportunities for her beyond what she ever could have imagined. But he never dreamed how this particular good deed would change everything for him as well.
Life had never been particularly kind to Annie Ramsey. She was poor, uneducated, and without any prospects except misery and pain at the hands of her brother, or whomever he decides she ought to marry. But when a handsome, kind stranger offers her another way, she must decide if she is brave enough to change her situation. Or if she dares to hope for more.
…is paved with good intentions.
Duncan Bray could not resist the urge to help the young woman he found in the wintery chill of Yorkshire, feeling driven to save her from the dismal life she lived. Taking her to London and introducing her to a new life there would provide opportunities for her beyond what she ever could have imagined. But he never dreamed how this particular good deed would change everything for him as well.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2016
261 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Connolly
91 books1,244 followersI 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
April 21, 2017
A twist on Cinderella and My Fair Lady.
We've met Duncan Bray in previous books (this can stand on its own), and I was curious to get his story. I always love it when the H/h meet right from the beginning, and these two meet in unusual circumstances. When Duncan meets the beaten and abused Annie, he can't stand by and do nothing. So he offers her the chance at a new life in London. At a fork in the road and being threatened to marry a despicable man Annie chooses to be brave for the first time in her life and goes with Duncan.
This is a sweet Cinderella-like story, Annie really comes from a poor and abused life and is thrown into a very respectable family of the ton. Duncan's family and friends take her under their wing and make her their own. While it did seem a bit implausible, it was fun to suspend belief for a bit and just enjoy the story of Annie's transformation. I loved the eccentric and endearing Aunt Tibby and how she sees the potential in Annie. I liked the friendship between Annie and Duncan's sister Marianne, and thought her reaction to the whole thing was probably the most realistic. Duncan was a good hero, always coming to the rescue, but also trying to give Annie space to grow. They have a sweet courtship, but I do wish we could have had some deeper interactions between them. And of course all of Duncan's friends and their wives added a fun element to the story.
I just have to say, I wish the author had done something similar as My Fair Lady or These Is My Words where her character starts out talking/thinking in broken English (and add in the thick commoner's accent she supposedly had) and obviously uneducated, then as the book progresses and the character learns and grows you slowly see the improvements in their speech and education. I mean, Annie is great, sweet and beautiful, but she was born into a very poor uneducated family and for at least the past few years been physically abused by her brother. The Annie we meet at the beginning is basically the same Annie we get at the end. We're expected to assume she doesn't speak well, but its not shown. Really, the Annie shown is similar to any other Lady in the book, in speech and manner. Since this is a transformation story, I would have enjoyed seeing more of a transformation, not just assuming things were changing. If that makes sense.
Overall, I did enjoy this one. Its well-written and the characters are engaging and keeps you wanting to read to see what will happen next. Even though it does deal with abuse, the book stays pretty light and has a traditional regency feel to it. A fun addition to the Arrangement series.
Content
Romance: Clean, just kissing
Language: Mild
Violence: Mild-moderate. Talk of past physical abuse, a couple attacks, but nothing graphic
Religious: Secular
Series: Arrangements, Book Four - can stand alone
Source: Amazon Kindle - personal copy
We've met Duncan Bray in previous books (this can stand on its own), and I was curious to get his story. I always love it when the H/h meet right from the beginning, and these two meet in unusual circumstances. When Duncan meets the beaten and abused Annie, he can't stand by and do nothing. So he offers her the chance at a new life in London. At a fork in the road and being threatened to marry a despicable man Annie chooses to be brave for the first time in her life and goes with Duncan.
This is a sweet Cinderella-like story, Annie really comes from a poor and abused life and is thrown into a very respectable family of the ton. Duncan's family and friends take her under their wing and make her their own. While it did seem a bit implausible, it was fun to suspend belief for a bit and just enjoy the story of Annie's transformation. I loved the eccentric and endearing Aunt Tibby and how she sees the potential in Annie. I liked the friendship between Annie and Duncan's sister Marianne, and thought her reaction to the whole thing was probably the most realistic. Duncan was a good hero, always coming to the rescue, but also trying to give Annie space to grow. They have a sweet courtship, but I do wish we could have had some deeper interactions between them. And of course all of Duncan's friends and their wives added a fun element to the story.
I just have to say, I wish the author had done something similar as My Fair Lady or These Is My Words where her character starts out talking/thinking in broken English (and add in the thick commoner's accent she supposedly had) and obviously uneducated, then as the book progresses and the character learns and grows you slowly see the improvements in their speech and education. I mean, Annie is great, sweet and beautiful, but she was born into a very poor uneducated family and for at least the past few years been physically abused by her brother. The Annie we meet at the beginning is basically the same Annie we get at the end. We're expected to assume she doesn't speak well, but its not shown. Really, the Annie shown is similar to any other Lady in the book, in speech and manner. Since this is a transformation story, I would have enjoyed seeing more of a transformation, not just assuming things were changing. If that makes sense.
Overall, I did enjoy this one. Its well-written and the characters are engaging and keeps you wanting to read to see what will happen next. Even though it does deal with abuse, the book stays pretty light and has a traditional regency feel to it. A fun addition to the Arrangement series.
Content
Romance: Clean, just kissing
Language: Mild
Violence: Mild-moderate. Talk of past physical abuse, a couple attacks, but nothing graphic
Religious: Secular
Series: Arrangements, Book Four - can stand alone
Source: Amazon Kindle - personal copy
November 9, 2016
I really love Connolly's writing. There is getting to be a pattern to her writing, where each book has the same elements. I don't mind it as long as each story is different, but it can get old. Her other books are about 5 best friends who find love in different ways and come to each others rescue. This time it was Duncan's turn. I love learning more about what is behind these men and why they do what they do. I can't wait for Colins story next! This one was so sad, poor Annie is beaten pretty badly several times in the book and even tho I knew it was coming it still felt like a kick in the gut. the author does a good job of creating two very good characters. I loved watching these two come together. Rebecca writes a great kiss but keeps her books very clean.
December 21, 2016
I love reading series where minor characters become major characters in another book. This isn’t easy to do while staying true to the first impressions of a character, but the author does it wonderfully.
This book stars Duncan. He’s the gentle giant of the group. The quieter one (who I just might have overlooked in Connolly’s earlier novels). Here, he’s the hero and he starts his heroics right away, attempting to save the girl. Unfortunately, this doesn’t go so well, as she runs away back to what is obviously an abusive brother. Duncan is left feeling helpless, but fate intervenes and he has a chance to save her again.
Annie is a great character. Suffering under the heavy abuse heaped on her by her brother, she manages to not only keep her sanity, but her sense of humor. She is caring despite everything that happens to her. I loved her understanding of people and ability to read them. She was a really interesting character.
Aunt Tibby and Marianne were great too. I appreciate the spunk of Tibby and liked watching Marianne’s value and ideals shift as she came to realize more about the world and herself. I’m hoping for more on her in another book.
My only critique would be the villain. I thought his motives could have been more fleshed out. Don’t get me wrong, he was creepy as all get out, but I wanted more reason as to why he was so consumed with Annie in particular.
This is a good one and probably the most swoony book I’ve read in awhile. (You’ve been warned)!
Also reviewed at: http://tenilleberezay.com/#!/review-t...
This book stars Duncan. He’s the gentle giant of the group. The quieter one (who I just might have overlooked in Connolly’s earlier novels). Here, he’s the hero and he starts his heroics right away, attempting to save the girl. Unfortunately, this doesn’t go so well, as she runs away back to what is obviously an abusive brother. Duncan is left feeling helpless, but fate intervenes and he has a chance to save her again.
Annie is a great character. Suffering under the heavy abuse heaped on her by her brother, she manages to not only keep her sanity, but her sense of humor. She is caring despite everything that happens to her. I loved her understanding of people and ability to read them. She was a really interesting character.
Aunt Tibby and Marianne were great too. I appreciate the spunk of Tibby and liked watching Marianne’s value and ideals shift as she came to realize more about the world and herself. I’m hoping for more on her in another book.
My only critique would be the villain. I thought his motives could have been more fleshed out. Don’t get me wrong, he was creepy as all get out, but I wanted more reason as to why he was so consumed with Annie in particular.
This is a good one and probably the most swoony book I’ve read in awhile. (You’ve been warned)!
Also reviewed at: http://tenilleberezay.com/#!/review-t...
April 24, 2025
[3.5 stars]
This is a rather depressing and disturbing book, yet still captivating. There should be a huge trigger warning on it, as the FMC experiences extremely violent physical abuse from her brother and the man he sold her to. Even the romance is a bit twisted, as I don’t think Duncan’s physical intimacy with her was appropriate given her very recent past and his role in her life. Especially after the final rescue, what about her physical state? He hadn’t even taken her to a doctor yet! And joking about fear?
I don’t know. I was invested in the story because I really wanted Annie to have her HPE… and I always find Rebecca Connolly’s writing style gripping. It is a very difficult and sensitive topic, though, and I think it could have been handled better.
Content:
HUGE TRIGGER WARNING, very violent and regular physical abuse. Many scenes and ongoing.
There is no foul language. There is mildly descriptive kissing and a fade to black scene after marriage. There is no real mention of faith or God.
This is a rather depressing and disturbing book, yet still captivating. There should be a huge trigger warning on it, as the FMC experiences extremely violent physical abuse from her brother and the man he sold her to. Even the romance is a bit twisted, as I don’t think Duncan’s physical intimacy with her was appropriate given her very recent past and his role in her life. Especially after the final rescue, what about her physical state? He hadn’t even taken her to a doctor yet! And joking about fear?
I don’t know. I was invested in the story because I really wanted Annie to have her HPE… and I always find Rebecca Connolly’s writing style gripping. It is a very difficult and sensitive topic, though, and I think it could have been handled better.
Content:
HUGE TRIGGER WARNING, very violent and regular physical abuse. Many scenes and ongoing.
There is no foul language. There is mildly descriptive kissing and a fade to black scene after marriage. There is no real mention of faith or God.
August 6, 2025
Duncan was toxic- prove me wrong
first he gives annie an out from an extremely abusive situation with her brother. APPEARING (and maybe trying to) be selfless and caring for a stranger.
What the author made me question is- would he have done that if she wasn’t just a pretty face?
for the remainder of the book i was annoyed with his tone towards annie:
“commanding”
“grab her face”
“LOOK at me”
“just trust me”
*a growling voice “where were you?!”
“gently ordering her”
*random make out sesh when he has no intention of getting in a relationship with her*
telling her that he WILL call her by her full name even though she said she didn’t want him to?!
but trust me “sweet” i’m not like other guys🙄
BRO SHE WAS ABUSED
she was VULNERABLE
i get it he was head over heals- but he should have been more protective of her heart and had a little more self control
and then running off to marry her the moment she said she loved him after she had been BEATEN by 2 men.
like give girly a second to adjust!!
he just got over saying he wanted her to be free to make her own decisions- and then pretty much says “we are getting married”
i think i understand that the author was attempting to make him the “protective rescuer” but i think it would have appealed to me better if he had a more gentle and selfless nature.
also must take into account that i listened to this on audio so the reader may have made his tone sound more fierce- the language and words were the same tho.
i do appreciate that they did know each other for at least a little bit of time before confessing love.
also- love Tibby but why is she just THROWING money at this girl and throwing her into a London season when annie had barely left her house her entire life?
first he gives annie an out from an extremely abusive situation with her brother. APPEARING (and maybe trying to) be selfless and caring for a stranger.
What the author made me question is- would he have done that if she wasn’t just a pretty face?
for the remainder of the book i was annoyed with his tone towards annie:
“commanding”
“grab her face”
“LOOK at me”
“just trust me”
*a growling voice “where were you?!”
“gently ordering her”
*random make out sesh when he has no intention of getting in a relationship with her*
telling her that he WILL call her by her full name even though she said she didn’t want him to?!
but trust me “sweet” i’m not like other guys🙄
BRO SHE WAS ABUSED
she was VULNERABLE
i get it he was head over heals- but he should have been more protective of her heart and had a little more self control
and then running off to marry her the moment she said she loved him after she had been BEATEN by 2 men.
like give girly a second to adjust!!
he just got over saying he wanted her to be free to make her own decisions- and then pretty much says “we are getting married”
i think i understand that the author was attempting to make him the “protective rescuer” but i think it would have appealed to me better if he had a more gentle and selfless nature.
also must take into account that i listened to this on audio so the reader may have made his tone sound more fierce- the language and words were the same tho.
i do appreciate that they did know each other for at least a little bit of time before confessing love.
also- love Tibby but why is she just THROWING money at this girl and throwing her into a London season when annie had barely left her house her entire life?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2017
This whole series was a fun, quick, squeaky clean read.
I liked the second book in the series the best because it was more about a marriage, than the whole equation of falling in love, does-he/she-love-me-but-I-can't-talk-about-it-with-him/her etc. It was a nice twist.
It was fun to appease my cheesy Regency Romance addiction during Valentine's week. Especially since I am not eating processed sugar this month, reading helped me avoid all the sweets that have ended up in my house!
I liked the second book in the series the best because it was more about a marriage, than the whole equation of falling in love, does-he/she-love-me-but-I-can't-talk-about-it-with-him/her etc. It was a nice twist.
It was fun to appease my cheesy Regency Romance addiction during Valentine's week. Especially since I am not eating processed sugar this month, reading helped me avoid all the sweets that have ended up in my house!
January 21, 2017
Lame lame lame lame lame LAME!!! I actually enjoyed the other books in this series but this one was way too mushy, and not enough character development .....All Duncan saw was a pretty face in Annie, he saved her from her horrible life but we didn't really see Annie grow, I think she would have been a lot different if that was a real situation and she was thrust into high society. It was just not very well written when it could have been much better. .....
January 22, 2017
I really liked Rebecca Connolly's first two books in this series. I haven't liked the third and the fourth as much.
July 7, 2025
I really liked this book.Our main characters are both delightful. Connolly largely avoided the too late awkward plot twist that has derailed earlier works in the series. The dangers and trials of this FMC were very real. A touch of Scotland is always welcome. But there were no fewer than FIFTEEN uses of the word “creature.”Most of them referring to the FMC…but at least one referring to a horse and more than one to the villain. Women are not creatures. Austen can be forgiven for the occasional use because, Austen, and also she was actually writing in the early 1800’s. This word has become such a signature of Connolly’s work that it is very hard for me to unsee/unhear. Overall her stories are engaging, and this series has great characters with a charming ensemble that grow each book with clear personalities. It is just to the pet peeve status at this point. Lastly, in this book and the previous there is an unfortunate tendency for men to choose what they will call women in spite of female protests. Eventually, the women agree with the men. I stopped to write this review 5 minutes into the next installment. What made me pause? You guessed it. “creature.”
April 19, 2019
I love this group of friends! Duncan is definitely someone I'd want in my corner. The story moves fast and was completely predictable but I didn't care. I loved having all the friends together again.
I read these out of order so I know more about Marianne but this is really starting to grate on me. I don't like her and I don't agree with everyone that it's too late to correct her, etc. She is terrible and a few nice words to Mary in the last book and Annie in this one can't possibly balance how she is portrayed.
I read these out of order so I know more about Marianne but this is really starting to grate on me. I don't like her and I don't agree with everyone that it's too late to correct her, etc. She is terrible and a few nice words to Mary in the last book and Annie in this one can't possibly balance how she is portrayed.
December 13, 2016
I wanted to like this book. It's edited competently. It manages drama while being a clean romance (at least as far as I read into it)
But egads, there's a few glaring things:
Or protagonist, a lifelong reserved man who totally never meddles, has scooped up the heroine, Annie, from poverty and abuse. Because she's pretty. I actually *like* romance novel land, where there are a million Dukes for every penniless country lass, and I was honestly enjoying the way that Connolly set up the countryside and Annie's constant minimizing of the abuse she was suffering. We have a good dramatic premise and an internal challenge to overcome.
But the rich/titled people in this book OMGgrfffsgghhlll...
After finding her beaten twice, protag hauls her off to his aunt's house to be a companion, since his Aunt Tibby constantly whines about being lonely. His logic is that while she has none of the accomplishments of a paid companion (including more than rudimentary literacy) something Tibby will work out.
It immediately comes out that Tibby plays this up to make protag feel important and needed. She is made to feel bad because she didn't react to Annie being dropped on her doorstep with anything other than glad cries. Never mind one scolding from protag and now Tibby bonds instantly with Annie, piling her with lavish funds for doing literally nothing
Tibby was supposed to be more like a fairy god mother, but the speed by which she started chucking cash at her new project and her lack of awareness of the cost of things making the woman seem more unstable than helpful.
Meanwhile, we hear a lot about how Annie is wonderful, which mostly orients around her being waif like, sad and pretty. And she can pick up the piano like a savant. Otherwise the plot consists of her floating around like the meek trauma victim she is while other people decide she is uniquely deserving of rescue and praise.
As in all series, the previous heroines of past books and their husbands are here as a group of BFFs and unquestioningly take Annie under their wing. The ladies are impressed she can sew and alter gowns, in an era when even the wealthiest women did needle work. We continue the theme of Annie meekly being shy and other people acting like she hung the moon.
An exception is the protag's sister, Marianne, who is set up in an antagonistic role. She's also written as acting like she's about 15, and the protag (and everyone else) lives in dread that she will enjoy being successful in society too much like their mother and develop a Reputation. This same family doesn't mind in the least that Tibby is "frank" about everything and says shocking things, or about as shocking as summing up exposition and having opinions can be expected to be.
Having established that Annie drools gold bullion and brandy in her sleep, within a few weeks of moving in with her, Tibby has raised herself to a froth of gifting and wants to give Annie a 20 thousand pound (100K pounds in today's money) dowry and sponsor her in society. This includes giving her a new name and identity. By Tibby's logic that she is so special that any man will forgive her for not being a society woman of good standing once he's in love.
Protagonist is eventually sold on this idea and discovers Annie's actual, full name. When she objects to being called this he physically intimidates her into agreeing including covering her mouth with his hand. Remember that we open with someone who was previously close to being beaten to death by a family member. This is supposed to be romantic.
Marianne is angry about this because she has worked really hard to be a sparkling society belle. This gives the protagonist chance to scold her roundly into sullen silence. All the while that we are launching Annie at society, Marianne gets dragged through the mud for actually liking it and at all trying to comply with the rules. Which includes not lying about someone's origin to trick people into marriage, but Marianne is cast as silly and spoiled and never allowed to have any nuance beyond that.
It's here I should mention a digression- it is mentioned in passing that someone is stalking Marianne and giving her brother a detailed update on all her behaviours and goings on. The protagonist is not only not creeped out, but relieved that someone is watching his horrible, terrible sister who has sooo many suitors.
There is a complete lack of agency, or even useful capacity in any of the characters, particularly the female ones, and a reliance on the latter being taught various lessons that feels like I blundered into a spanking romance without the erotic taken-in-hands moments to punctuate it.
And oh my, does it drag. If dirty romances often drag to pack in new sex scenes, this one has all the talking without anything happening. I could not make it through the dancing lesson before I eventually got tired of the protagonist plaintively reminding everyone of how special Annie was without (for even a minute) having any introspection that he only rescued her because she's pretty, the only merit she's displayed up until that point other than the piano thing.
But egads, there's a few glaring things:
Or protagonist, a lifelong reserved man who totally never meddles, has scooped up the heroine, Annie, from poverty and abuse. Because she's pretty. I actually *like* romance novel land, where there are a million Dukes for every penniless country lass, and I was honestly enjoying the way that Connolly set up the countryside and Annie's constant minimizing of the abuse she was suffering. We have a good dramatic premise and an internal challenge to overcome.
But the rich/titled people in this book OMGgrfffsgghhlll...
After finding her beaten twice, protag hauls her off to his aunt's house to be a companion, since his Aunt Tibby constantly whines about being lonely. His logic is that while she has none of the accomplishments of a paid companion (including more than rudimentary literacy) something Tibby will work out.
It immediately comes out that Tibby plays this up to make protag feel important and needed. She is made to feel bad because she didn't react to Annie being dropped on her doorstep with anything other than glad cries. Never mind one scolding from protag and now Tibby bonds instantly with Annie, piling her with lavish funds for doing literally nothing
Tibby was supposed to be more like a fairy god mother, but the speed by which she started chucking cash at her new project and her lack of awareness of the cost of things making the woman seem more unstable than helpful.
Meanwhile, we hear a lot about how Annie is wonderful, which mostly orients around her being waif like, sad and pretty. And she can pick up the piano like a savant. Otherwise the plot consists of her floating around like the meek trauma victim she is while other people decide she is uniquely deserving of rescue and praise.
As in all series, the previous heroines of past books and their husbands are here as a group of BFFs and unquestioningly take Annie under their wing. The ladies are impressed she can sew and alter gowns, in an era when even the wealthiest women did needle work. We continue the theme of Annie meekly being shy and other people acting like she hung the moon.
An exception is the protag's sister, Marianne, who is set up in an antagonistic role. She's also written as acting like she's about 15, and the protag (and everyone else) lives in dread that she will enjoy being successful in society too much like their mother and develop a Reputation. This same family doesn't mind in the least that Tibby is "frank" about everything and says shocking things, or about as shocking as summing up exposition and having opinions can be expected to be.
Having established that Annie drools gold bullion and brandy in her sleep, within a few weeks of moving in with her, Tibby has raised herself to a froth of gifting and wants to give Annie a 20 thousand pound (100K pounds in today's money) dowry and sponsor her in society. This includes giving her a new name and identity. By Tibby's logic that she is so special that any man will forgive her for not being a society woman of good standing once he's in love.
Protagonist is eventually sold on this idea and discovers Annie's actual, full name. When she objects to being called this he physically intimidates her into agreeing including covering her mouth with his hand. Remember that we open with someone who was previously close to being beaten to death by a family member. This is supposed to be romantic.
Marianne is angry about this because she has worked really hard to be a sparkling society belle. This gives the protagonist chance to scold her roundly into sullen silence. All the while that we are launching Annie at society, Marianne gets dragged through the mud for actually liking it and at all trying to comply with the rules. Which includes not lying about someone's origin to trick people into marriage, but Marianne is cast as silly and spoiled and never allowed to have any nuance beyond that.
It's here I should mention a digression- it is mentioned in passing that someone is stalking Marianne and giving her brother a detailed update on all her behaviours and goings on. The protagonist is not only not creeped out, but relieved that someone is watching his horrible, terrible sister who has sooo many suitors.
There is a complete lack of agency, or even useful capacity in any of the characters, particularly the female ones, and a reliance on the latter being taught various lessons that feels like I blundered into a spanking romance without the erotic taken-in-hands moments to punctuate it.
And oh my, does it drag. If dirty romances often drag to pack in new sex scenes, this one has all the talking without anything happening. I could not make it through the dancing lesson before I eventually got tired of the protagonist plaintively reminding everyone of how special Annie was without (for even a minute) having any introspection that he only rescued her because she's pretty, the only merit she's displayed up until that point other than the piano thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2017
I think this book is the least believable in the series (so far) but I choose to set that aside. The abuse Annie endured was horrific as all abuse is. Duncan taking her under his care was a relief but I am not sure that she could have undergone the My Fair Lady change as quickly as indicated in the book.
I always feel a little irritated when the hero of the book won't express his true feelings for the girl because he thinks it is better for her. In this case he wants her to be able to make a choice but she lives in a society where she can't make her feelings known before he does so his actions in fact take away her ability to make said choice. And why would he keep kissing her as he does if he wants to remain neutral in her eyes? It seems he had a really hard time controlling himself.
Annie being taken home again was predictable but the way the marriage happens was a surprise to me.
The book is clean. Some kissing and some innuendo after their marriage.
I always feel a little irritated when the hero of the book won't express his true feelings for the girl because he thinks it is better for her. In this case he wants her to be able to make a choice but she lives in a society where she can't make her feelings known before he does so his actions in fact take away her ability to make said choice. And why would he keep kissing her as he does if he wants to remain neutral in her eyes? It seems he had a really hard time controlling himself.
Annie being taken home again was predictable but the way the marriage happens was a surprise to me.
The book is clean. Some kissing and some innuendo after their marriage.
November 26, 2016
Captivating to the very end
A heart wrenching story of how something so ugly in life, that of physical and mental abuse, was turned to a sweet and tender love. I loved how Duncan spoke to Annalise, how he treated her, respected her, and never gave up on her. In turn I loved how strong Annie was; determined, and not jaded by anger from her past. A very tender story of hope, deep friendship, and selfless love.
Sometimes I get frustrated by the ridiculous doubts authors weave in to the story, "for climatic sake," that always seems to come in the minds of the characters, but this time it was handled well and I thought, haven't we all been there at some point, doubting ourselves, our thoughts, our abilities, it's what we do with them - how we handle, them that can help us become someone better. Well done Ms. Connolly.
A heart wrenching story of how something so ugly in life, that of physical and mental abuse, was turned to a sweet and tender love. I loved how Duncan spoke to Annalise, how he treated her, respected her, and never gave up on her. In turn I loved how strong Annie was; determined, and not jaded by anger from her past. A very tender story of hope, deep friendship, and selfless love.
Sometimes I get frustrated by the ridiculous doubts authors weave in to the story, "for climatic sake," that always seems to come in the minds of the characters, but this time it was handled well and I thought, haven't we all been there at some point, doubting ourselves, our thoughts, our abilities, it's what we do with them - how we handle, them that can help us become someone better. Well done Ms. Connolly.
May 12, 2018
There seems to be elements of this Arrangements series that don't quite add up for me, but even so I do enjoy the stories of these characters. Duncan has been a favorite of mine and though he handled some things in a less than brilliant manner (declare yourself, stop wallowing and hunt her down, etc....), he was an amazing hero in that he insisted Annie "look him in the eyes" and accept that she is worthy of goodness. Saving her from herself was just as important as from the physical abuse she suffered. Realistically her background would have her so far removed from high society that her language and actions would have been vastly below what she started out with and much harder to rise to where she ended up. Loved the eccentric aunt!
February 17, 2017
I have enjoyed all of Connolly's historical romance. I love the camaraderie between the gentlemen and their honest friendship. While some parts were a bit predictable, I didn't want to put this down. Thanks for another great read.
July 27, 2025
This is the fourth book in the Arrangements series, and I have such mixed feelings about this novel. This series has been such a hit or miss for me though. The first two I DNF (An Arrangement of Sorts and Married to the Marquess), the third (Secrets of a Spinster) I enjoyed, and The Dangers of Doing Good I don’t know what to think.
At first thought I really enjoyed it. The heroine was so sympathetic and well written that I actually got choked up about her plight, and the hero was just that, a hero that you couldn’t help but care for. However, as you go further into the book, I had to wonder about his behavior towards Annie as not so heroic, but almost like taking advantage of her, or at the very least not being accountable especially regarding .
My other problem was the ending. It felt too rushed, and if Duncan was such a hero he would have been more patient . If you can look past these inconsistencies, then the book is really enjoyable, however, when you come to think about everything, it kind of leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Not sure how many stars to give. Maybe 2**½*?
At first thought I really enjoyed it. The heroine was so sympathetic and well written that I actually got choked up about her plight, and the hero was just that, a hero that you couldn’t help but care for. However, as you go further into the book, I had to wonder about his behavior towards Annie as not so heroic, but almost like taking advantage of her, or at the very least not being accountable especially regarding .
My other problem was the ending. It felt too rushed, and if Duncan was such a hero he would have been more patient . If you can look past these inconsistencies, then the book is really enjoyable, however, when you come to think about everything, it kind of leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Not sure how many stars to give. Maybe 2**½*?
October 5, 2019
3.5/5 stars rounded up
I liked this, Duncan was a wonderful main character/love interest. I loved his backstory and I thought he was just a really lovely person. I really liked Annie as well, but I guess I wanted a little more progress from her. Even at the end, she could barely fathom the fact that they came to help her, even though she had been living with them for quite a while and they had told her multiple times how much they cherished her. I mean, did she really think they would just be like "Oh she left, well I guess we'll move on with our lives!" Besides that, I thought she was a really lovely person, very strong and very loving. She just had so much love to give, despite the horrible things she had to endure in the (very recent) past.
One other thing I would have liked a bit more of, was Annie and Duncan bonding over all these things they have in common. Just like a tiny little bit more. In the end he says he fell in love with her in the library, but honestly, I don't feel like we got that many scenes of them being there together? That may be just me though.
I think I mentioned in a review for another book in this series that I liked how all the characters from previous books are very present and valuable to the story. I really want to add now, that I also really loved the friendship between the men. Those guys really support each other through everything and it is just amazing. I also love how the women always easily accept new additions to their friend group.
Marianne was kind of annoying as she always is, I'm curious to see what happens with her, also when she finds out about her past. I can't believe Duncan has never told her?? I would have totally thrown those facts in her face during an argument of some kind.
Okay to finish, I liked the epilogue, but I would have loved to read about them returning and having to tell everyone they just got married. The reactions they would get, oh I wonder :)
I liked this, Duncan was a wonderful main character/love interest. I loved his backstory and I thought he was just a really lovely person. I really liked Annie as well, but I guess I wanted a little more progress from her. Even at the end, she could barely fathom the fact that they came to help her, even though she had been living with them for quite a while and they had told her multiple times how much they cherished her. I mean, did she really think they would just be like "Oh she left, well I guess we'll move on with our lives!" Besides that, I thought she was a really lovely person, very strong and very loving. She just had so much love to give, despite the horrible things she had to endure in the (very recent) past.
One other thing I would have liked a bit more of, was Annie and Duncan bonding over all these things they have in common. Just like a tiny little bit more. In the end he says he fell in love with her in the library, but honestly, I don't feel like we got that many scenes of them being there together? That may be just me though.
I think I mentioned in a review for another book in this series that I liked how all the characters from previous books are very present and valuable to the story. I really want to add now, that I also really loved the friendship between the men. Those guys really support each other through everything and it is just amazing. I also love how the women always easily accept new additions to their friend group.
Marianne was kind of annoying as she always is, I'm curious to see what happens with her, also when she finds out about her past. I can't believe Duncan has never told her?? I would have totally thrown those facts in her face during an argument of some kind.
Okay to finish, I liked the epilogue, but I would have loved to read about them returning and having to tell everyone they just got married. The reactions they would get, oh I wonder :)
May 4, 2020
Can't Get Enough of this Series
This is the 4th in this series & I'm having a difficult time deciding which i like best - they're all so good.
I really love the character development of this one. The heroine has grown up in a constant state of fear, unappreciated & doesn't believe she's of any worth due to the beatings she has endured on a semi regular basis at the hand of her abusive brother. The hero is a kind and caring gentleman who always is always happy to make personal sacrifices to ensure that those around him are happy; yet, doesn't believe he deserves the same happiness for himself. Little do they realize that they are each other's key to realizing what they are truly worth & deserve.
After helping Annie escape a fate worse than death, Duncan does his best to help her realize what an amazing person she truly is and that she is stronger than she ever realized. While doing so, Duncan realizes that she is the very thing he didn't realize his life was missing. Through various events, and Annie's past doing its best to catch up with her; they come to realize that they have more strength than they knew they possessed and that they are indeed worthy of the joy & happiness that they so gladly bestow on others. You'll greatly enjoy how there is romance in the small and grand gestures and the various plot twists throughout. Great job on providing just the right amount of details to make you feel like you're standing right there with them. Can't wait to see what the next book brings!!
This is the 4th in this series & I'm having a difficult time deciding which i like best - they're all so good.
I really love the character development of this one. The heroine has grown up in a constant state of fear, unappreciated & doesn't believe she's of any worth due to the beatings she has endured on a semi regular basis at the hand of her abusive brother. The hero is a kind and caring gentleman who always is always happy to make personal sacrifices to ensure that those around him are happy; yet, doesn't believe he deserves the same happiness for himself. Little do they realize that they are each other's key to realizing what they are truly worth & deserve.
After helping Annie escape a fate worse than death, Duncan does his best to help her realize what an amazing person she truly is and that she is stronger than she ever realized. While doing so, Duncan realizes that she is the very thing he didn't realize his life was missing. Through various events, and Annie's past doing its best to catch up with her; they come to realize that they have more strength than they knew they possessed and that they are indeed worthy of the joy & happiness that they so gladly bestow on others. You'll greatly enjoy how there is romance in the small and grand gestures and the various plot twists throughout. Great job on providing just the right amount of details to make you feel like you're standing right there with them. Can't wait to see what the next book brings!!
February 21, 2020
Oh Duncan and Annalise. I adored this book. Ms. Connolly has quite the talent for taking things I don’t normally like in a story and making me LOVE them. In the last book in this series, it was friends to lovers...not usually a favorite trope of mine, but I loved it. This one...insta-love. Or at the very least Insta-infatuation. :) Normally I can’t stand it. But I’m this book? My word, I LOVED it. The way it was written was so different than other love stories for some reason to me. Duncan was ever the protector and while I thought he loved her from the start, it took him a little while to fully realize it (even though I think he knew all along). ;) I have to say this series has very quickly become a favorite of mine. And the narrator for the audiobooks is fantastic! I own the e-book, but have mostly been listening to them through Audible escape… And I have to say, I actually enjoyed this one in audiobook format even more than when I was reading the book. I think the narrator helped portray the difference in Annie’s accent in a way the book couldn’t really do with how it was written.
Anyway, LOVED this one. Literally, my only “complaint” would be that I wish the epilogue would have just been the next chapter and that we would have gotten an epilogue a few years down the road like the first three. :)
Easily five stars for the entire series from me so far! So glad there are still a few books left. I’m interested to see how Colin’s story goes...he’s quite the character!
Anyway, LOVED this one. Literally, my only “complaint” would be that I wish the epilogue would have just been the next chapter and that we would have gotten an epilogue a few years down the road like the first three. :)
Easily five stars for the entire series from me so far! So glad there are still a few books left. I’m interested to see how Colin’s story goes...he’s quite the character!
January 8, 2018
The Dangers of Doing Good is the fourth book in Rebecca Connolly's Arrangements series. You will cross paths with Duncan Bay while he is traveling through the wilds of Yorkshire, on his way back to London. As Duncan leads his horse to some water, he suddenly stumbles upon a young woman, lying wounded in a mound of snow. When he happens upon her again the next day, Annie is covered in bruises, that are even worse than before! Duncan cannot help himself, but to offer Annie a way of escape!
Soon you find Duncan and Annie safely back in London, where he soon introduces her to his sister and his eccentric aunt. Annie, a poor girl from the country, is embraced by Duncan's wealthy family, to the point that she is named his aunt's companion! As Annie is accepted by both Duncan's family and his many friends, she cannot keep her mind from venturing back to the dark, abusive home she just left!
You wonder if Annie will be able to build a new life, among the glitz of London, when suddenly a face from her past shows up. A man, whom she fears even more than her brother, who beat her! Hang on to see how Duncan and his friends attempt to protect Annie, from the danger from her former life!
Soon you find Duncan and Annie safely back in London, where he soon introduces her to his sister and his eccentric aunt. Annie, a poor girl from the country, is embraced by Duncan's wealthy family, to the point that she is named his aunt's companion! As Annie is accepted by both Duncan's family and his many friends, she cannot keep her mind from venturing back to the dark, abusive home she just left!
You wonder if Annie will be able to build a new life, among the glitz of London, when suddenly a face from her past shows up. A man, whom she fears even more than her brother, who beat her! Hang on to see how Duncan and his friends attempt to protect Annie, from the danger from her former life!
January 7, 2025
good story
I enjoyed this story in general, however it was a bit unrealistic, more so than usual.
It was almost like a horror show with the heroine being so stupid as to hand herself to the villain, twice.
Then when she ends up with the hero at the end and she has just been seriously beaten by the villains, he's kissing her and hugging her. If I had just been beaten as described, I would not want to be touched let alone hugged and then at one point she's carried over his shoulder??? Really, wouldn't she have been in so much pain.
Why did the villain take her back to her brothers home if he had already paid for her? Didn't make sense.
What happened to the 2 villains, it never indicated if they were just beaten up or actually killed.
In addition, why were they bothering to randomly change her name (especially her last name), in general there didn't seem to be any expectation of people she would know being in London. And they were making up a family history anyway, they could have kept her sur name.
Anyway, at the end so many things just made me roll my eyes at the ridiculousness.
Overall it was a decent story, but I do prefer a bit more realistic stories.
I enjoyed this story in general, however it was a bit unrealistic, more so than usual.
It was almost like a horror show with the heroine being so stupid as to hand herself to the villain, twice.
Then when she ends up with the hero at the end and she has just been seriously beaten by the villains, he's kissing her and hugging her. If I had just been beaten as described, I would not want to be touched let alone hugged and then at one point she's carried over his shoulder??? Really, wouldn't she have been in so much pain.
Why did the villain take her back to her brothers home if he had already paid for her? Didn't make sense.
What happened to the 2 villains, it never indicated if they were just beaten up or actually killed.
In addition, why were they bothering to randomly change her name (especially her last name), in general there didn't seem to be any expectation of people she would know being in London. And they were making up a family history anyway, they could have kept her sur name.
Anyway, at the end so many things just made me roll my eyes at the ridiculousness.
Overall it was a decent story, but I do prefer a bit more realistic stories.
January 13, 2026
I guess most or all of this series is free on Audible, so each time I finish one, it just auto plays the next one in the series. And they’re not terrible to listen to in the background as I do chores, because I know if I miss a few minutes of it I likely won’t miss anything important.
I liked this book a little more than the others because of the likability and difference of fem MC from the other heroines in the series; though the idea that she could join the London season was a little too far beyond my realm of suspended disbelief. There’s just too many things she’d need to know and do, and her friends couldn’t be around her all the time to cover for her mistakes. I’m glad the book didn’t spend too much time on the season because I’m still a little traumatized from the last book where that’s all that was talked about.
As with the other books, there are little inconsistencies (the male MC supposedly takes in stray animals, and yet there’s none to be found) and anachronisms in language (which at this point I expect in historical regency romances), the villain was a little too simplistic, and the book was a little longwinded (but significantly better than the other books), but overall it wasn’t terrible. On to the next auto play.
I liked this book a little more than the others because of the likability and difference of fem MC from the other heroines in the series; though the idea that she could join the London season was a little too far beyond my realm of suspended disbelief. There’s just too many things she’d need to know and do, and her friends couldn’t be around her all the time to cover for her mistakes. I’m glad the book didn’t spend too much time on the season because I’m still a little traumatized from the last book where that’s all that was talked about.
As with the other books, there are little inconsistencies (the male MC supposedly takes in stray animals, and yet there’s none to be found) and anachronisms in language (which at this point I expect in historical regency romances), the villain was a little too simplistic, and the book was a little longwinded (but significantly better than the other books), but overall it wasn’t terrible. On to the next auto play.
April 17, 2018
Content: clean, some physical abuse/violence without graphic details, kissing and fade to black married couple.
I liked some parts of this book and didn't like others, so it is a bit of a toss up for me. I liked Tibby and her wild ways as well as the supporting cast of close friends. Originality lacked a bit and things were pretty predictable.
I think Annie could have used a little more personality and character development. I felt like I never really got to know her beyond her tragic past and her love for Duncan. I liked Duncan for the most part, but he too became a little one- dimensional halfway through.
The ending was a bit of a letdown - was it really a good time to elope right after the trauma of being abducted and severely beaten? What bride wants to get married covered in bruises and cuts with one eye swollen while dressed in a bloody, torn dress? Annie may have been used to being abused in her life, but couldn't she be allowed some time to heal first? I'm just saying.....
I liked some parts of this book and didn't like others, so it is a bit of a toss up for me. I liked Tibby and her wild ways as well as the supporting cast of close friends. Originality lacked a bit and things were pretty predictable.
I think Annie could have used a little more personality and character development. I felt like I never really got to know her beyond her tragic past and her love for Duncan. I liked Duncan for the most part, but he too became a little one- dimensional halfway through.
The ending was a bit of a letdown - was it really a good time to elope right after the trauma of being abducted and severely beaten? What bride wants to get married covered in bruises and cuts with one eye swollen while dressed in a bloody, torn dress? Annie may have been used to being abused in her life, but couldn't she be allowed some time to heal first? I'm just saying.....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2018
2.5 This was slightly disappointing. Duncan rescues a young woman from a truly dangerous situation, but as the story progresses it becomes clear that rather than doing this because she was a fellow human in need, he did it because he fell in love at first sight, despite the fact that the woman in question was dirty, in tattered clothing, and clearly not of his station in life. His aunt then decides to lie about who this young woman is to all of society which inevitably doesn't work because there is a tormentor from her past who recognizes her and uses this situation to add further difficulties. The situation from her past is solved with violence, which I will grant may have been the only way to solve such a situation as the laws were not particularly helpful at the time. Then there is a runaway marriage which is apparently not going to cause any scandal whatsoever because the couple was already formally engaged?
All these problems aside, Connolly writes such fun dialogue that it was still enjoyable to read even though I had great difficulty suspending disbelief.
All these problems aside, Connolly writes such fun dialogue that it was still enjoyable to read even though I had great difficulty suspending disbelief.
July 21, 2019
This is book four in this charming series. It is Duncan and Annie's story. The was perhaps the most heartbreaking. He comes across her beaten and barley able to walk. Beat on by her drunken brute of a brother, and humiliated in awful ways. He takes her to London in hopes that after she heals, she maybe a good companion for his Aunt. There are all his friends, and their wives involved to help turn her into a more genteel lady. plus when old threats come knocking they all come together to help. I won't ruin it for you, because I really enjoyed it, but no one gets over beatings, broken ribs, and being cut, or strapped that quickly. Not even if you grew up with that abuse. It had a great ending, and it was a clean romance. I gave it 4 .5 stars rounded to a 5 , due to her miraculous healings....I loved all the characters, many have been in her other books..
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February 19, 2020
Annie has been abused and tortured for nearly her whole life by her older brother and his friends. With no parents to stop it and a promise she made to her mother to stay with her brother, she has felt like there was no choice in leaving. Until she meets Duncan that is. The two are mesmerized by each other when they first meet down to the last page. Trials come, but so does love and friendship.
I loved that Rebecca brought in a character with a past. I didn’t feel like Annie was accurately portrayed though on how she would’ve responded to different events after nearly a lifetime of abuse. Marianne was also annoying, but as always I did enjoy the friends of all the people I’ve read about. For whatever reason though, these books just seem to take forever! I cannot figure it out. Anyways, my favorite part was when she decides to leave.
I loved that Rebecca brought in a character with a past. I didn’t feel like Annie was accurately portrayed though on how she would’ve responded to different events after nearly a lifetime of abuse. Marianne was also annoying, but as always I did enjoy the friends of all the people I’ve read about. For whatever reason though, these books just seem to take forever! I cannot figure it out. Anyways, my favorite part was when she decides to leave.
September 22, 2024
Intense start, with a lag in the middle and a decent finish. I think the barrier to them being together was way too flimsy. They were in love quickly and kept wondering at their hesitancy. To add a little spice, Marianne could have been more devious in a moment of immaturity and betrayal. Perhaps she was the one who allowed Thorpe access to the Annie to keep her from Duncan. (She could redeem herself in a later novel.) it also took much too long for Duncan to search her room since he was so befuddled as to why she’d left. And wouldn’t he have interviewed the staff? Four mystery notes and it never was mentioned to Duncan? I’m not sure why the drunken magistrate was necessary to the ending of the story.
Overall, Annie was an interesting character with a tragic backstory and Duncan’s tendency to be a rescuer was endearing, but their mid-story conflict was draggy.
Overall, Annie was an interesting character with a tragic backstory and Duncan’s tendency to be a rescuer was endearing, but their mid-story conflict was draggy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2025
Fair maiden in distress/knight in shining armour trope played out to perfection. So romantical. Duncan so gentle and befuddled; Annie sweetly shy and reticent. A love story that defies class distinctions. There's a bit of a My Fair Lady flair to the story as well as Annie is molded into a lady by a bevy of enthusiastic female friends (all heroines from earlier books in the series.) This is my first 'Arrangements' book though and I had no trouble jumping in here. Love the the teasing banter between Duncan and his friends and the way the men are quick to rally around him in his hour of need. I'm eager to read all their stories now before continuing on with the fifth book. Mind you, I see Marianne becomes a featured heroine in one and I might have to skip that one! We'll see. Really enjoyed Jessica Elisa Boyd's narration too. Excellent audio book.
October 30, 2018
Ending (So, Yes, Spoilers)
I love how Ms Connolly develops characters and her plots can grab you. I have read several of her books to date and appreciate her talent. The only problem with this book is the ending - there is no way an intelligent man, who twice broke a pretty important promise of protection to his love interest. The protagonist suddenly has a fire to put out and leaves his fiancee alone unprotected when all know the evil one lurks nearby? Thomas the footman delivers a questionable missive when all have been warned and the whole household on alert and Marrianne (the self-centered monster) is the one to remind our pathetic protagonist that something isn't adding up? Sexual tension is essential but not at the cost of probabilty.
I love how Ms Connolly develops characters and her plots can grab you. I have read several of her books to date and appreciate her talent. The only problem with this book is the ending - there is no way an intelligent man, who twice broke a pretty important promise of protection to his love interest. The protagonist suddenly has a fire to put out and leaves his fiancee alone unprotected when all know the evil one lurks nearby? Thomas the footman delivers a questionable missive when all have been warned and the whole household on alert and Marrianne (the self-centered monster) is the one to remind our pathetic protagonist that something isn't adding up? Sexual tension is essential but not at the cost of probabilty.
July 17, 2022
I liked the story well enough. The plot was good and the characters were kind. However, it could have been shorter.
I enjoyed the beginning very well, and the middle even more so. But two-thirds of the way through, I felt as if the author was only trying to achieve a certain wordcount.
Sadly, this is a complaint I have with many romance novels, where the plot goes on even when it doesn’t need to. Either there is a misunderstanding between the main characters, or there is sudden danger, or just something that gets in the way.
For someone who believes in straight-forwardness and the magic of communication, this just doesn’t sit well.
All that said, I am sure most readers would enjoy The Dangers of Doing Good. Dunkin was a very kind and gentle soul while Anny was a sweetheart.
I enjoyed the beginning very well, and the middle even more so. But two-thirds of the way through, I felt as if the author was only trying to achieve a certain wordcount.
Sadly, this is a complaint I have with many romance novels, where the plot goes on even when it doesn’t need to. Either there is a misunderstanding between the main characters, or there is sudden danger, or just something that gets in the way.
For someone who believes in straight-forwardness and the magic of communication, this just doesn’t sit well.
All that said, I am sure most readers would enjoy The Dangers of Doing Good. Dunkin was a very kind and gentle soul while Anny was a sweetheart.
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