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Arrangements #5
The Burdens of a Bachelor
What the eye cannot see...
Colin Gerrard has everything. He is a handsome, charming, and unattached gentleman in possession of a fortune. But what nobody knows, and would never suspect, is that he is not nearly as carefree as he seems, nor is his heart free for anyone's taking. It was already taken long ago, and when his lost love unexpectedly reappears, in London of all places, he's very much afraid that she still has it.
...the heart already knows.
Lady Susannah Hawkins-Dean had no intention of ever seeing Colin again after their terrible departure sixteen years ago. She never wanted to see anyone that knew her in the past. There were too many secrets, too much shame, and he, of all people, could not know them. But when Colin refuses to leave her in the past, Susannah finds that she is just as in love with him as she ever was, and it could ruin them both.
Colin Gerrard has everything. He is a handsome, charming, and unattached gentleman in possession of a fortune. But what nobody knows, and would never suspect, is that he is not nearly as carefree as he seems, nor is his heart free for anyone's taking. It was already taken long ago, and when his lost love unexpectedly reappears, in London of all places, he's very much afraid that she still has it.
...the heart already knows.
Lady Susannah Hawkins-Dean had no intention of ever seeing Colin again after their terrible departure sixteen years ago. She never wanted to see anyone that knew her in the past. There were too many secrets, too much shame, and he, of all people, could not know them. But when Colin refuses to leave her in the past, Susannah finds that she is just as in love with him as she ever was, and it could ruin them both.
283 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2017
260 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Connolly
87 books1,242 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 102 reviews
April 25, 2017
3.5
If you've read the previous books, then you're familiar with Colin's character and have probably been eagerly awaiting his story. It was fun having Colin as the lead character this time around, getting to know his past and what makes him tick. And of course, its fun to see his lady love give him a run for his money.
Colin and Susannah were childhood friends and sweethearts, Colin's heart is broken when Susannah up and marries someone else unexpectedly. Fifteen years have passed and they're suddenly thrown together in London. Susannah is a widow, hiding from her husbands creditors and trying to find work to help support herself and her son. Colin has his own personal drama going on and helping Susannah is the last thing he wants to do.
This was a fun read, I always enjoy "lost love" storylines and it was nice to find out what happened with Colin and to see him get a second shot at love. It was fun seeing past characters and how they place such an important role in each others lives. Overall, it was a quick and fun escape.
Content
Romance: Clean, just kissing
Language: Mild
Violence: None-mild. Mention of abuse in marriage, no details
Religious: Secular
Series: Book Five- can stand alone
Source: Personal purchase, Kindle
If you've read the previous books, then you're familiar with Colin's character and have probably been eagerly awaiting his story. It was fun having Colin as the lead character this time around, getting to know his past and what makes him tick. And of course, its fun to see his lady love give him a run for his money.
Colin and Susannah were childhood friends and sweethearts, Colin's heart is broken when Susannah up and marries someone else unexpectedly. Fifteen years have passed and they're suddenly thrown together in London. Susannah is a widow, hiding from her husbands creditors and trying to find work to help support herself and her son. Colin has his own personal drama going on and helping Susannah is the last thing he wants to do.
This was a fun read, I always enjoy "lost love" storylines and it was nice to find out what happened with Colin and to see him get a second shot at love. It was fun seeing past characters and how they place such an important role in each others lives. Overall, it was a quick and fun escape.
Content
Romance: Clean, just kissing
Language: Mild
Violence: None-mild. Mention of abuse in marriage, no details
Religious: Secular
Series: Book Five- can stand alone
Source: Personal purchase, Kindle
April 6, 2017
This book just put Rebecca Connolly up with my top 5 authors. That is very hard to do, but she has consistently gotten better with each book and they all are favorites of mine. I really enjoyed this book. I love a good heart wrentcher and this one tugged me all over. In all the previous novels we have gotten to know Collin as a careless idiot, I knew there was more to him especially in the last book. I was pretty excited when I found out Susanna had been in his past and this was going to be a second chance story. And wow what a romance! Dang Rebecca! The girl knows how to write a good kiss! I really enjoyed this one. The only problem I had was some quick resolutions at the end after all Susanna endured I needed more closer with some of her issues. This is a clean regency with some very adult themes but nothing is detailed or even talked about much. Can't wait for the next one, it is an automatic buy!
May 15, 2018
This is #5 in the clean traditional regency Arrangements series, but can be read standalone. If fact, I read this series out of order starting with #3 and had no problem.
I eagerly awaited for Colin's story to finally come out like an adolescent girl swooning at a boy band concert, but was slightly disappointed when I actually read it. Colin actually wasn't really far from being the man I thought he was only pretending to be sometimes in the other titles in the series. I always thought it was some fake facade to cover some pain. I was waiting for some secret emotional depth and seriousness in his character and that he was wearing some fake proverbial mask. It was maybe a tiny bit of a purposeful facade for him, but apparently Colin really well is Colin, which sometimes wasn't good. So I have to take a star off for making me want to throw my kindle like a frisbee in my frustration at Colin sometimes. Though I did love the story over all. Especially the ending and epilogue *sigh*!
Series: #5 but standalone.
Violence: Mention of emotional abuse and possible physical abuse of a woman in a marriage with no description.
Language: Mild. A could of d*ms.
Sensuality: Clean. Mild to passionate kissing on lips, neck, and hand.
Source: My purchased library. Bought the entire series written to this date.
I eagerly awaited for Colin's story to finally come out like an adolescent girl swooning at a boy band concert, but was slightly disappointed when I actually read it. Colin actually wasn't really far from being the man I thought he was only pretending to be sometimes in the other titles in the series. I always thought it was some fake facade to cover some pain. I was waiting for some secret emotional depth and seriousness in his character and that he was wearing some fake proverbial mask. It was maybe a tiny bit of a purposeful facade for him, but apparently Colin really well is Colin, which sometimes wasn't good. So I have to take a star off for making me want to throw my kindle like a frisbee in my frustration at Colin sometimes. Though I did love the story over all. Especially the ending and epilogue *sigh*!
Series: #5 but standalone.
Violence: Mention of emotional abuse and possible physical abuse of a woman in a marriage with no description.
Language: Mild. A could of d*ms.
Sensuality: Clean. Mild to passionate kissing on lips, neck, and hand.
Source: My purchased library. Bought the entire series written to this date.
April 10, 2017
I've read the first and 3rd books of this series and have enjoyed them all. This one had some great tension and was a fun escape.
April 12, 2017
I was so excited to finally get Colin's book and it did not disappoint.
July 7, 2020
I didn't read through this as quickly as the others, but I still enjoyed it. I actually shed a tear.
August 25, 2019
3.5 stars. Major spoilers ahead
TW: talks of past physical and emotional abuse (non-descriptive), implied rape in a conversation (non-descriptive)
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.
.
.
.
.
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I'm a bit disappointed in myself. I expected this to be a lot more angsty than it turned out to be which is a huge plus and while reading, it was well on its way to a solid 4-stars for me. But as I look back on this book, I don't think it was quite there.
Some of it was understandable. For example, the fact that we got a lot of telling rather than showing of the romance between Colin and Susannah. They've been in love with each other all their lives so although the fun in a romance is seeing two people fall in love or fall back in love, they've been in love so it would seem sort of weird for Rebecca to try and force some sort of blooming ~feelings~ for the sake of romance. That being said, I do wish we got more than what was given. More than just it saying that they laughed and talked like old times or something. More than the conversations that ended up being shown in the book. There were cute hints here and there but still eh.
One of the biggest reasons why I couldn't give this the 4 stars is because this book got repetitive. Since a blossoming romance usually fills up the pages of a romance novel and Susannah and Colin already had that, it had to be filled up some other way and that way was in unnecessary and repetitive angst. I like angst as much as the next person, if done right. And I'm sorry to say that this fell just a bit short. The whole book basically went like this: Colin and Susannah meet again, they talk, they become friends-ish and make out, short while later he proposes, she refuses, they still make out doe, he's hurting, she's hurting, he proposes again, she refuses again, he's hurting, she's hurting, a lot of 'why you do this to me' and 'I can't tell you'. Don't get me wrong, Susannah went through shit and it's not easy to tell people, nor do I think she has an obligation to.
But she really put her and Colin through a lot by always thinking that he wouldn't accept her and tbh I kind of got tired of her telling him that she can't tell him why she won't be with him. Like, please provide a comfortable explanation at least so you don't have to go through the whole book feeling like shit and thinking you don't deserve it and yada yada. I'm not dismissing what she went through, it was horrific. But at some point, it felt like it was just there so Susannah could refuse him for another 100 or so pages till the very, very end.
And you know what? When she finds out that him and Kit know about her past, she's not even upset! This is something that has kept her from Colin for the whole book and she doesn't even react angrily to two men who definitely found some way to investigate her (which, privacy!) but also (later she would know) told all their friends???? The friends are the best but still, this is something that she's been hiding for so long. It's almost as if she's relieved that someone else told them and she didn't have to. It might actually be a good thing but was disappointing after reading her refuse Colin over and over again (while her own heart was breaking), only for her to be basically
when he finds out. I mean yes, she does leave and goes on about how it's the last time she'll see him but that's it. She's even fine with Kit and they're still friends afterwards, she doesn't even say much of anything about him knowing. I just wish they had a more serious talk about it, considering the seriousness of the issue. Although, I will say the gesture at the end was really sweet and though it doesn't make up for that lack of communication (though it might've happened behind-the-scenes), it was still nice.
Another reason why I couldn't give this 4 stars is because of Colin. I sort of forgave him near the end when he realized just how bad he was but he was really, really pushy and felt like he was entitled to know everything about Susannah. He got upset without even knowing anything and was a totally different person. He was an ass to others and yes it was because he was hurt and his heart was broken but damn. He also took certain liberties that I felt he didn't have the right to, no matter how much he loved her and how good it might've been for her. I especially didn't like how he had her investigated simply because he felt she was his (which wasn't romantic in this context) and since she wouldn't tell him, he would just find out for himself. He might've had good intentions but it was still a huge breach of privacy and it wasn't his right to do that when there was an obvious reason why she didn't want to tell him (even at the expense of her own happiness, though he didn't fully know that). I don't think people are entitled to know someone else's secrets unless it directly affects them in a negative way and I'm sorry, but refusing marriage and having your own heart broken is not a good enough one.
The angst was just dramatic and amped up most times (again, not dismissing her nightmarish past. Just felt that it was more used rather than as an important element of the plot) and I wanted her to tell him and just stop already.
There were a few other smaller things that got to me:
*grammar, syntax, and diction issues (more than usual)
*the dramatic-ness of a lot of it, even with the friendship
*maybe it's been so long since I've read these books but sometimes I feel that the differences in personalities between the men are more pronounced when the book isn't about them. In other words, when they're talked about through the eyes of the protagonist. Once they become the protagonist, however, they start to seem similar to the other men when those men are protagonists of their own books. Basically, the protagonist of one book seems so similar to the protagonist of another book, even though their personalities are clearly different when they're in someone else's book (ex: Derek and Nathan are similar when comparing them as protagonists of their own books vs. the two of them in Colin's book).
*the ridiculousness of some scenes; Susannah is asked to help for Colin and Rosie's fever and miraculously they both recover through her help (and others assisting) when even the physician/doctors couldn't really cure them/thought they were gonna die. Somehow, Susannah who has only worked as an assistant (with likely no formal training) to others in a hospital, is able to do what they could not. One of them is even Derek and Kate's private physician and he said 'no can do, man'. How is that even believable?
*etc.
Despite what I've said though, I did enjoy this book to an extent. I adore the friendships between everyone (the wives, the husbands, the husbands + the wives with the person their friend is in love with, Tibby with everyone). It's rare that I say this but I love the friendships almost (if not equally) as much as the romances in this series. I just love the way they are there for each other no matter what, and I especially love how the wives all become best friends as a new woman joins the group for every book.
It was also pretty funny and I think Annie might be pregnant????? I'm also super intrigued about Kit and Marianne's relationship and found it funny the way Colin and Tibby decided to ignore it even though there's clearly something there. I loved seeing Kit rattled when it came to Marianne (really like how you can sometimes see glimpses of the next book in one you're currently reading, and how it alludes to previous events sometimes). I can't wait to read their story even though Marianne won't be easy to like, hope she grows and matures in the next book. I can already see signs of it.
Overall, I liked it enough. Til next time!
Oh, and I know I mentioned this before (sort of) but I wish there was more thought put into the serious topics of abuse, both physical and emotional, and even, possibly rape. I wish that it was better explored in a way that didn't seem as if it was more a service to the plot than anything. I know it is triggering, but I think its important for us to have seen something more than finding love and having everything be fine. Since Susannah mentioned Freddie being an accident and then left it at her ex-husband being drunk one night, there's a possibility it was something Susannah didn't want and therefore, rape. I understand that it's not something she wished to relive, which is probably why it wasn't mentioned again. But it felt sort of brushed off? Maybe in a way, that was a way to cope. I do want to still put it there as a trigger warning though.
TW: talks of past physical and emotional abuse (non-descriptive), implied rape in a conversation (non-descriptive)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I'm a bit disappointed in myself. I expected this to be a lot more angsty than it turned out to be which is a huge plus and while reading, it was well on its way to a solid 4-stars for me. But as I look back on this book, I don't think it was quite there.
Some of it was understandable. For example, the fact that we got a lot of telling rather than showing of the romance between Colin and Susannah. They've been in love with each other all their lives so although the fun in a romance is seeing two people fall in love or fall back in love, they've been in love so it would seem sort of weird for Rebecca to try and force some sort of blooming ~feelings~ for the sake of romance. That being said, I do wish we got more than what was given. More than just it saying that they laughed and talked like old times or something. More than the conversations that ended up being shown in the book. There were cute hints here and there but still eh.
One of the biggest reasons why I couldn't give this the 4 stars is because this book got repetitive. Since a blossoming romance usually fills up the pages of a romance novel and Susannah and Colin already had that, it had to be filled up some other way and that way was in unnecessary and repetitive angst. I like angst as much as the next person, if done right. And I'm sorry to say that this fell just a bit short. The whole book basically went like this: Colin and Susannah meet again, they talk, they become friends-ish and make out, short while later he proposes, she refuses, they still make out doe, he's hurting, she's hurting, he proposes again, she refuses again, he's hurting, she's hurting, a lot of 'why you do this to me' and 'I can't tell you'. Don't get me wrong, Susannah went through shit and it's not easy to tell people, nor do I think she has an obligation to.
But she really put her and Colin through a lot by always thinking that he wouldn't accept her and tbh I kind of got tired of her telling him that she can't tell him why she won't be with him. Like, please provide a comfortable explanation at least so you don't have to go through the whole book feeling like shit and thinking you don't deserve it and yada yada. I'm not dismissing what she went through, it was horrific. But at some point, it felt like it was just there so Susannah could refuse him for another 100 or so pages till the very, very end.
And you know what? When she finds out that him and Kit know about her past, she's not even upset! This is something that has kept her from Colin for the whole book and she doesn't even react angrily to two men who definitely found some way to investigate her (which, privacy!) but also (later she would know) told all their friends???? The friends are the best but still, this is something that she's been hiding for so long. It's almost as if she's relieved that someone else told them and she didn't have to. It might actually be a good thing but was disappointing after reading her refuse Colin over and over again (while her own heart was breaking), only for her to be basically
when he finds out. I mean yes, she does leave and goes on about how it's the last time she'll see him but that's it. She's even fine with Kit and they're still friends afterwards, she doesn't even say much of anything about him knowing. I just wish they had a more serious talk about it, considering the seriousness of the issue. Although, I will say the gesture at the end was really sweet and though it doesn't make up for that lack of communication (though it might've happened behind-the-scenes), it was still nice.
Another reason why I couldn't give this 4 stars is because of Colin. I sort of forgave him near the end when he realized just how bad he was but he was really, really pushy and felt like he was entitled to know everything about Susannah. He got upset without even knowing anything and was a totally different person. He was an ass to others and yes it was because he was hurt and his heart was broken but damn. He also took certain liberties that I felt he didn't have the right to, no matter how much he loved her and how good it might've been for her. I especially didn't like how he had her investigated simply because he felt she was his (which wasn't romantic in this context) and since she wouldn't tell him, he would just find out for himself. He might've had good intentions but it was still a huge breach of privacy and it wasn't his right to do that when there was an obvious reason why she didn't want to tell him (even at the expense of her own happiness, though he didn't fully know that). I don't think people are entitled to know someone else's secrets unless it directly affects them in a negative way and I'm sorry, but refusing marriage and having your own heart broken is not a good enough one.
The angst was just dramatic and amped up most times (again, not dismissing her nightmarish past. Just felt that it was more used rather than as an important element of the plot) and I wanted her to tell him and just stop already.
There were a few other smaller things that got to me:
*grammar, syntax, and diction issues (more than usual)
*the dramatic-ness of a lot of it, even with the friendship
*maybe it's been so long since I've read these books but sometimes I feel that the differences in personalities between the men are more pronounced when the book isn't about them. In other words, when they're talked about through the eyes of the protagonist. Once they become the protagonist, however, they start to seem similar to the other men when those men are protagonists of their own books. Basically, the protagonist of one book seems so similar to the protagonist of another book, even though their personalities are clearly different when they're in someone else's book (ex: Derek and Nathan are similar when comparing them as protagonists of their own books vs. the two of them in Colin's book).
*the ridiculousness of some scenes; Susannah is asked to help for Colin and Rosie's fever and miraculously they both recover through her help (and others assisting) when even the physician/doctors couldn't really cure them/thought they were gonna die. Somehow, Susannah who has only worked as an assistant (with likely no formal training) to others in a hospital, is able to do what they could not. One of them is even Derek and Kate's private physician and he said 'no can do, man'. How is that even believable?
*etc.
Despite what I've said though, I did enjoy this book to an extent. I adore the friendships between everyone (the wives, the husbands, the husbands + the wives with the person their friend is in love with, Tibby with everyone). It's rare that I say this but I love the friendships almost (if not equally) as much as the romances in this series. I just love the way they are there for each other no matter what, and I especially love how the wives all become best friends as a new woman joins the group for every book.
It was also pretty funny and I think Annie might be pregnant????? I'm also super intrigued about Kit and Marianne's relationship and found it funny the way Colin and Tibby decided to ignore it even though there's clearly something there. I loved seeing Kit rattled when it came to Marianne (really like how you can sometimes see glimpses of the next book in one you're currently reading, and how it alludes to previous events sometimes). I can't wait to read their story even though Marianne won't be easy to like, hope she grows and matures in the next book. I can already see signs of it.
Overall, I liked it enough. Til next time!
Oh, and I know I mentioned this before (sort of) but I wish there was more thought put into the serious topics of abuse, both physical and emotional, and even, possibly rape. I wish that it was better explored in a way that didn't seem as if it was more a service to the plot than anything. I know it is triggering, but I think its important for us to have seen something more than finding love and having everything be fine. Since Susannah mentioned Freddie being an accident and then left it at her ex-husband being drunk one night, there's a possibility it was something Susannah didn't want and therefore, rape. I understand that it's not something she wished to relive, which is probably why it wasn't mentioned again. But it felt sort of brushed off? Maybe in a way, that was a way to cope. I do want to still put it there as a trigger warning though.
July 9, 2025
The best of this book was the ensemble nature of it now that we have so many characters in the series. The children were a DELIGHT. The three little girls gave Colin some humanity. I also liked the basic premise. The execution was harder. The entire plot could have been resolved with one really good conversation near the beginning of the book. So many misunderstandings and miscommunications. These events just kept drawing out story. Colin was quite high-handed and sometimes cruel. He made many decisions for Susana without really consulting her. Susana was fairly plucky, but she knowing led Colin on already determining to dump him, so her grief over his broken heart felt a little ridiculous. Then, when she finally had a good life for her and her son, she walked away from it all in a fit of pique over a misunderstanding, moving back in with a prostitute, and by her own admission making her son miserable because all his opportunities were cut off. I just don’t see a mom doing that. Lots of overall drama between these characters and not as much wit as some of the other titles. On the upside, use of the word “creature” seemed more apropos and kept in the mouths of more odious characters, or referencing said odious characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2017
A wonderful romance.
This was a great clean romance with wonderful characters. The descriptions of the people, clothing and landscapes was fantastic. I loved this period romance and look forward to many more.
This was a great clean romance with wonderful characters. The descriptions of the people, clothing and landscapes was fantastic. I loved this period romance and look forward to many more.
January 4, 2025
The burdens of a (spoilt) bachelor
This novel started well. We learn something of Colin’s secrets and a second chance romance begins well, until Colin is outraged that Susannah will not accept him, and begins harassing her rather aggressively. I am over heroes who kiss their women deeply and passionately, even when for some reason it is unwelcome, because their feelings are too strong to control. What message does this send? It’s not just to blame Connolly for all this ire. But she is one of my favourite authors, and yo have the second half of this novel riddled with such behaviour, and Colin’s anger at his perceived rejection, which is a portrait of male entitlement, was very disappointing. On the plus side are 1. Rosie, Bitty, Ginny and Freddie and Lady Raeburn, as always. 2. Excellent writing from a grammatical perspective. Pity to see it thrown away on purple prose.
This novel started well. We learn something of Colin’s secrets and a second chance romance begins well, until Colin is outraged that Susannah will not accept him, and begins harassing her rather aggressively. I am over heroes who kiss their women deeply and passionately, even when for some reason it is unwelcome, because their feelings are too strong to control. What message does this send? It’s not just to blame Connolly for all this ire. But she is one of my favourite authors, and yo have the second half of this novel riddled with such behaviour, and Colin’s anger at his perceived rejection, which is a portrait of male entitlement, was very disappointing. On the plus side are 1. Rosie, Bitty, Ginny and Freddie and Lady Raeburn, as always. 2. Excellent writing from a grammatical perspective. Pity to see it thrown away on purple prose.
May 23, 2017
This was probably a 3.5 star book for me. During parts I really liked it and at other times I kept thinking that Colin was kind of abusive and it bugged me that he kept grabbing Susannah and kissing her. Lots of kissing. And some swearing.
But seriously, why is Susannah left to deal with not only the debts of her husband but support her family that threw her under the bus to begin with? I think she should have let them rot in their own stupidity and just worry about her son and herself.
But overall I've liked the series. I assume there is at least one more coming since The Gent was not actually revealed? And maybe Kit needs his own story?
I have grown to like the group of friends more and more with each book and how they are always there for each other even as they tease.
But seriously, why is Susannah left to deal with not only the debts of her husband but support her family that threw her under the bus to begin with? I think she should have let them rot in their own stupidity and just worry about her son and herself.
But overall I've liked the series. I assume there is at least one more coming since The Gent was not actually revealed? And maybe Kit needs his own story?
I have grown to like the group of friends more and more with each book and how they are always there for each other even as they tease.
March 2, 2022
i dispised susannah with all my heart
and therefore the book too
colin was cute but why after she dumped him the second time shouldnt he give up arghhh....
if you wanna read something dramatic where she has reasonable reasons to refuse several times read Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson...
and therefore the book too
colin was cute but why after she dumped him the second time shouldnt he give up arghhh....
if you wanna read something dramatic where she has reasonable reasons to refuse several times read Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson...
December 10, 2022
Disappointed
By half way, I ceased caring about this couple. 3/4 of the way I despised them. At the end I'm not sure I even want to continue the series. And I need more words to hit submit button. Ugh
By half way, I ceased caring about this couple. 3/4 of the way I despised them. At the end I'm not sure I even want to continue the series. And I need more words to hit submit button. Ugh
April 25, 2018
Excellent
This author books are always page turners. So happy she writes many books 📚.
The plots are intriguing. Always a surprise.
This author books are always page turners. So happy she writes many books 📚.
The plots are intriguing. Always a surprise.
July 30, 2025
This is the fifth book in the Arrangements series by Rebecca Connolly, and I think it is by far the best. I DNF the first two (An Arrangement of Sorts and Married to the Marquess), really liked the third book (Secrets of a Spinster), and then the fourth (The Dangers of Doing Good) I had mixed feelings about. After all of that, I still wanted to read The Burdens of a Bachelor because I liked Collin’s character so much. And I’m glad I did.
IMO this is the most intense of the series, especially considering all the tension and angst between Collin and Susannah. There was a lot of passion displayed between them both, and it made their relationship not just complicated, but a joy to read. Needless to say, this is my favorite of the series.
I only listened to the audiobook, and the narrator, Jessica Elisa Boyd, did an excellent job at voice acting, and made everything come alive, which just added to the experience. I highly recommend this audiobook if you love a good second chance romance story set during the regency period. 4****
IMO this is the most intense of the series, especially considering all the tension and angst between Collin and Susannah. There was a lot of passion displayed between them both, and it made their relationship not just complicated, but a joy to read. Needless to say, this is my favorite of the series.
I only listened to the audiobook, and the narrator, Jessica Elisa Boyd, did an excellent job at voice acting, and made everything come alive, which just added to the experience. I highly recommend this audiobook if you love a good second chance romance story set during the regency period. 4****
May 10, 2017
Author Rebecca Connolly did a really nice job of pulling me into the story with the very first chapter. Young Lady Susannah had been forced into a horrendous marriage to an awful man by her parents, who were selfishly out for their own financial gain. Susannah was too young to resist her parents’ demands and unfortunately had to devastate both herself, and the young man that she truly loved, Colin Gerrard, her closest friend. Years later they run into each other and it’s clear that life has taken a sad and shameful toll on poor Susanna and her young son. Her deceased husband has left them in terrible debt and the creditors are harassing her for repayment. Susannah is trying her best but meager funds are a great burden. All that is her dark secret.
Colin is surprised at her appearance and the deep feelings for her that are surfacing. Their lives become entwined thanks to her little son, and the three surprise little sisters that are dumped on Colin and his twin brother, Kit. The girls are now their responsibilities. (Those little sisters are the result of their philandering father.)
I loved the characters and found them embedded in my heart and soul. Most of this is not a new Regency era plot, but Connolly makes the story intriguing. Colin is part of a group of friends, each having had their own romantic adventures in previous books. Reading them in order would make the relationships more valid and interesting to the overall story. It’s a keeper along with the others in my personal library!
Colin is surprised at her appearance and the deep feelings for her that are surfacing. Their lives become entwined thanks to her little son, and the three surprise little sisters that are dumped on Colin and his twin brother, Kit. The girls are now their responsibilities. (Those little sisters are the result of their philandering father.)
I loved the characters and found them embedded in my heart and soul. Most of this is not a new Regency era plot, but Connolly makes the story intriguing. Colin is part of a group of friends, each having had their own romantic adventures in previous books. Reading them in order would make the relationships more valid and interesting to the overall story. It’s a keeper along with the others in my personal library!
June 19, 2025
I’ve loved most of this authors books until this one. Omg did this one just drag on and on! Colin has loved Susannah since they were teenagers. Then she dumps him and walks off without a word. Of course she did it for her family( who never show up at all) and marries an older man, who is an evil monster. Fast forward 15 years,(!) and she is a widow trying to pay off all the evil ones debts and somehow, again support her destitute family.. wait why is her family still poor and why does she have to be responsible for them, a poor widow with a small boy.?? Of course she meets up with Colin, who although he tries to hate her falls in love all over again and sets her up with a job and looks after her son along with his small sisters, honestly this story was just too much.. the h constantly refuses him due to her deep dark secrets and he proposes like 4 times..! If I were Colin I would say to hell with you lady and walk off. Sure she has suffered but she never makes an attempt to explain, she’s forever trembling or shaking.. I really disliked this h, can you tell. So the story drags on in this vein forever until I was skimming pages until I got to the end, where Colin discovers her secrets, pays off all her debts and even sets up the invisible family with an annual sum. We all need heroes like this, Lol
This book was such a huge disappointment, can’t believe it has got such a high rating..it’s ridiculous.
This book was such a huge disappointment, can’t believe it has got such a high rating..it’s ridiculous.
October 15, 2019
This was cute, nice to see a different side of Colin. Also loved Kit and I'm very curious how that story is going to unfold.
Something I keep struggeling with, though, is how Susannah believed she was not worthy because of her past. Isn't she the one who knows Colin the best out of literally everyone? I found it odd that she had such a hard time believing him, really. And then at the end, it's like that's suddenly not an issue anymore? Why does she believe him then? Did something change? -> just a little confused here.
But besides that, I loved the girls, loved Freddie, loved Tibby. It was very fun, and the drama at the end (what I mentioned in the spoiler) made it a little more exciting then the other books in the series :)
Something I keep struggeling with, though, is how Susannah believed she was not worthy because of her past. Isn't she the one who knows Colin the best out of literally everyone? I found it odd that she had such a hard time believing him, really. And then at the end, it's like that's suddenly not an issue anymore? Why does she believe him then? Did something change? -> just a little confused here.
But besides that, I loved the girls, loved Freddie, loved Tibby. It was very fun, and the drama at the end (what I mentioned in the spoiler) made it a little more exciting then the other books in the series :)
March 18, 2020
It is finally Colin’s turn! Colin fell in love many years ago, but had to watch his beloved leave and be married off to someone else. The two promised each other at a young age that they would meet in London again and take the world by storm. And with that promise, Colin has always held on hope and has stayed in London even during the off seasons in hopes of seeing her again. Little did he know just what kind of storm would be brewing when all is brought to light.
I think this one is my favorite. Though there are several missed opportunities on the author’s end. I felt like the children could’ve been given more of a role in the story with getting to know them better. Susannah was also a bit annoying at times with her refusals. Colin’s behavior with Susannah was also on the verge of not being respectable. This one had more passion than the others as well, still clean! Great read! My favorite part is when Susannah finally accepts.
I think this one is my favorite. Though there are several missed opportunities on the author’s end. I felt like the children could’ve been given more of a role in the story with getting to know them better. Susannah was also a bit annoying at times with her refusals. Colin’s behavior with Susannah was also on the verge of not being respectable. This one had more passion than the others as well, still clean! Great read! My favorite part is when Susannah finally accepts.
January 11, 2025
nice series in general
The plot idea was good but had flaws.
The writing in general very good.
However the jealous rages that these men all tend to have in this series felt ridiculous and repetitive.
In addition, The whole idea though of her previous husband wanting to marry her, and yet he wanted no son, he didn't seem to have married her because he needed to keep up appearances. He didn't seem to want her in bed or even be sadistic to her directly. He had to settle money on her family, yet seemed to disinherit his son to keep money from going to him, if I finally understood correctly. So why did he marry her in the first place? That never made any sense. Which unfortunately was the premise of the story.
Also, itt never really made sense she kept turning his proposal down, it was never believable, as desperate as she was, she would have said yes for her son alone.
So the story line was a little lacking.
The plot idea was good but had flaws.
The writing in general very good.
However the jealous rages that these men all tend to have in this series felt ridiculous and repetitive.
In addition, The whole idea though of her previous husband wanting to marry her, and yet he wanted no son, he didn't seem to have married her because he needed to keep up appearances. He didn't seem to want her in bed or even be sadistic to her directly. He had to settle money on her family, yet seemed to disinherit his son to keep money from going to him, if I finally understood correctly. So why did he marry her in the first place? That never made any sense. Which unfortunately was the premise of the story.
Also, itt never really made sense she kept turning his proposal down, it was never believable, as desperate as she was, she would have said yes for her son alone.
So the story line was a little lacking.
May 12, 2020
Last of the Fab Five to Fall
Colin, by all appearances, the most nonchalant of this group of friends is actually one that loves deeply, and surprisingly, the longest. Rejected by the love of his youth to marry another, Colin has never been serious about relationships since. Then, after encountering Susannah by chance & learning that not only is she now a widow, but that she had no choice in the marriage arranged by her parents; he realises that he still loves her & has never stopped. However, Susannah is still haunted by ghosts of her past and Colin and his brother, Kit, find they are now the guardians of their 3 much younger sisters; thus making this romance have a few hurdles to overcome. But it does prove that a love worth having is worth fighting for and when you do have it, be generous with that love.
Colin, by all appearances, the most nonchalant of this group of friends is actually one that loves deeply, and surprisingly, the longest. Rejected by the love of his youth to marry another, Colin has never been serious about relationships since. Then, after encountering Susannah by chance & learning that not only is she now a widow, but that she had no choice in the marriage arranged by her parents; he realises that he still loves her & has never stopped. However, Susannah is still haunted by ghosts of her past and Colin and his brother, Kit, find they are now the guardians of their 3 much younger sisters; thus making this romance have a few hurdles to overcome. But it does prove that a love worth having is worth fighting for and when you do have it, be generous with that love.
May 5, 2025
Colin’s heart is finally understood
This was a bit dramatic as was book 4 for my tastes, but still I enjoyed the read very much. Colin has been an interesting character all along and has grown on me as my first impression. Colin and Kit are very much intriguing and I can not wait to read Kits story.
Colin is force to reckon with his past heartache and surprised with how his heart reacts when Susannah renters his life. Colin has learned how to keep people at a distance without them knowing he is guarding his heart. So not only do his friends begin to see and understand him differently, but so do we, the readers.
Colin and Susannah story was full of kindness, redemption, love, and heartache. Colin’s stories sisters were a fun twist in this series and k am interested in what role they play in books come.
At the end you will love Colin if you don’t before
This was a bit dramatic as was book 4 for my tastes, but still I enjoyed the read very much. Colin has been an interesting character all along and has grown on me as my first impression. Colin and Kit are very much intriguing and I can not wait to read Kits story.
Colin is force to reckon with his past heartache and surprised with how his heart reacts when Susannah renters his life. Colin has learned how to keep people at a distance without them knowing he is guarding his heart. So not only do his friends begin to see and understand him differently, but so do we, the readers.
Colin and Susannah story was full of kindness, redemption, love, and heartache. Colin’s stories sisters were a fun twist in this series and k am interested in what role they play in books come.
At the end you will love Colin if you don’t before
January 17, 2018
Loved this latest book in the Arrangements series. This book focuses on Colin. Though he appears carefree, Colin is hiding a broken heart that he has carried since he was 17. Susannah regretted hurting Colin, but was forced into marriage to save her family. When her husband dies, Susannah flees to London trying to escape her past. Unfortunately Colin is in London, and when Susannah appears out of nowhere, he is determined to not let her escape again. Though Susannah still loves Colin, she worries that her secrets will destroy them both.
A great fifth book in the series! It's a clean, fast-read, Regency style romance. Really love this series and am looking forward to the next book.
A great fifth book in the series! It's a clean, fast-read, Regency style romance. Really love this series and am looking forward to the next book.
April 2, 2018
This is the 5th book I've read in the series. I'm getting a bit tired of all the witty banter between the bestest of friends that show up so conveniently at all the right times. And speaking of convenience, there was much too much of it in this book (ie the gazebo scene-how handy the two main characters were in the exact same place at the exact same time in a ginormous city such as London). And do men really get that emotional???? A bit unbelievable. But I liked it enough to read the next in the series...
February 20, 2019
Good Story!
I liked this story. Colin has always been the fun, less serious one of the group of friends. This story tells his true side. It includes a lost love. A woman he has loved since he was a teenager has now returned to London. She has a son and many secrets. She doesn't want anyone to know of her past but with the help of "the Gent" Colin finds out and secretly helps her.
One thing that bothered me was how long the misunderstanding and refusals went on. It bogged the story down just a bit. The drama picked back up to a very satisfying conclusion.
I liked this story. Colin has always been the fun, less serious one of the group of friends. This story tells his true side. It includes a lost love. A woman he has loved since he was a teenager has now returned to London. She has a son and many secrets. She doesn't want anyone to know of her past but with the help of "the Gent" Colin finds out and secretly helps her.
One thing that bothered me was how long the misunderstanding and refusals went on. It bogged the story down just a bit. The drama picked back up to a very satisfying conclusion.
Read
January 16, 20213.5 stars. I enjoyed all the books in this "Arrangements" series -- this one being the story of Colin, the one in the group you think will never get serious and marry, and Susannah, whom he knew in their youth but has since led a troubled life -- in which each of the men in a group of close friends eventually finds his perfect woman. The characters in these clean Regencies are well-drawn and carried out well across the set, and Connolly is particularly good at the camaraderie and banter among friends.
October 13, 2024
Slow burn at its finest
No one writes kisses like Connolly does and still manages to keep it clean.
I LOVES Susannah the instant she was introduced and the little mysteries that were hinted at were enough for me keep coming back for more. And thinking about it throughout the day when I couldn’t read.
Colin…as much as I also loved his character, I also wanted to choke him. And my only contention with the story is I wanted HIM to make the necessary move. I won’t say more bcuz I don’t want to ruin it for others. But I still loves this whole story ❤️❤️
Now, on to the next.
No one writes kisses like Connolly does and still manages to keep it clean.
I LOVES Susannah the instant she was introduced and the little mysteries that were hinted at were enough for me keep coming back for more. And thinking about it throughout the day when I couldn’t read.
Colin…as much as I also loved his character, I also wanted to choke him. And my only contention with the story is I wanted HIM to make the necessary move. I won’t say more bcuz I don’t want to ruin it for others. But I still loves this whole story ❤️❤️
Now, on to the next.
May 15, 2018
This is book 5 of the Arrangements series. I found that there were a few repeated elements of previous books in the series in this one. What sort of had me shaking my head was the lively fun-loving and witty Colin from the previous books was missing almost completely in this one. I missed him! Getting to know Kit a bit more was nice, and the newly arrived sisters were adorable, along with Susannah's son. There are still mysteries to solve in this series so hopefully book 6 will wrap it all up.
September 27, 2018
This is a very boring book. The plot drags and could have been completed in what 2 chapters? Plus the events surrounding the two main characters mad at each other and kissing all the time? So did not make any sense. Their actions were too modern for the era they were set in. It felt more like a harlequin romance with no depth. Characters were boring an flat and their actions made no sense.It's not even worth my time and not worth your time either.
November 6, 2018
Loved this book! With so much turmoil from Susannah’s past how could she every think that something good might come of it in her future especially in London. But luck was on her side, her old flame reappears to reignite the spark that they once shared! I do wish that the conflict had a little more action to it like if creditors came after her and then Colin could rescue her. But I liked the ending the way it is just the same :)
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