Rearranged

Do-Over #1

by E.M. Denning

Rowan McAllister is an obedient son. He went to the schools his parents wanted. He walked the path they set him on with no complaints. Then he even agreed to marry the son of a long time family friend. When he marries a complete stranger after his bachelor party in Las Vegas, it’s the craziest, yet somehow also the sanest thing he’s ever done. But if he’s finally taking charge of his life, why does he feel so out of control?

Sid Wallace is literally the red-headed stepchild. Marrying a stranger is the latest in a long list of rebellions Sid has staged. Right from that first night, being with Rowan feels as if it’s more than a rebellion. Staying married to the handsome stranger isn’t a hardship for Sid, but Rowan’s parents are adamant that he needs to annul his marriage to Sid.

Everything Rowan does is for his family. Everything Sid does is despite his. Rowan is used to toeing the line and Sid is used to crossing it. How can two men who are so different fall in love so fast and can they make a marriage work when it happened on a whim?

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Humor, Fiction, LGBT, M M Contemporary

215 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 6, 2022

About the author

EM Denning has more than twenty romance novels under her belt and has become an author you can rely on to bring you emotionally endearing, soft and fuzzy, stories. She is well known among her friends for her love of naps and sarcasm. She spends her free time reading as many romance novels as she can get her hands on.

Reviews

[~Nicole~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Barely reaches 2 stars to be honest and I keep asking myself wtf is wrong with me to want to read this book, with its all over the place plot, pretty bad writing and emotionless characters. The only good thing about it is the trope and that it’s short..ish.

[Simona · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting love blossomed when drunk in Vegas

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a delightful story. I kept waiting for the big break up scene that never came and I was so thankful. Rowen and Sid were perfect for each other. They both had the most atrocious parents. My only complaint was I wanted to know what happened with the prenup and what happened with Harrison and Jack. Maybe there will be a book 2.

[Trio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty standard, humorous, low angst, insta romance. With a fair bit of family drama, and tons of physical romance, Rearranged in part one in E.M. Denning's Do-Over series about an arranged marriage that goes awry.

My biggest complaint is just that E.M. Denning explains, and then explains, and goes on to re-explain, a bit too much. Like, "I got it already...".

I can't help it, call it a guilty pleaure, but I'll still probably read Rediscovered when it comes out in June. Got to find out what happens to Harrison after all ;).

[Brey (lil Sebastian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4. This is such a cute little read. There was basically no relationship angst but it was such a sweet book about two people who needed someone. I love the waking up married in Vegas trope and loved that there was no over the top drama between the two MCs!!

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one much better than the second one (I read 2nd book first) .
It's nice and adorable. I loved Sid!

[Maijie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rearranged by E.M. Denning is the first book in the Do-Over series and it is a great beginning for the series.

Rowan and Sid were used to living their lives the way they were. Sid being the redheaded stepchild with no one in his corner - always being ignored, chastised and just having the support of his best friend all throughout. He'd always wanted the love and attention of his mother but has never gotten it. He'd been rebellious and pretty much did what he wanted just to annoy her and the rest of his family. Rowan on the other hand is the golden child who'd always done what his parents have demanded of him from going to the school of their choice to almost marrying his friend even if it'll make him unhappy. He is very much a people pleaser - doing what others wanted even if it would hurt him in the end. Two broken men meeting in Vegas as if by fate. Getting drunk and married was only the start of things that would eventually change their lives forever.

There were so many good things that I enjoyed about this book. I loved how the story flowed smoothly, the main characters, supporting characters and how everything just fit together. Rowan and Sid had a very strong attraction and chemistry from the start. Their journey from there - realizing how much they meant to each other, how they complement each other and the character growth that they've shown is a joy to read.

There was a plot point in which why Rowan's parents were so insistent about the marriage but it was glossed over. I just wished it was expanded on a bit more. Same with the emotional issues that Sid had with his mother's gaslighting and manipulation. IMO, it could've been tackled a bit better but I suppose this was done to keep the story low angst.

Still, this book has been a pleasant surprise. It is sweet, funny and has such endearing characters that would make one root for their happy ending. The steamy parts are a nice bonus.

This would be 4.25 stars out of 5 for me.

I received an ARC of this book via GRR and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. To be honest I enjoyed the first part when they initially meet and get married. Then I was bored, when they go to the cabin nothing much seemed to happen except they kept jumping into bed. The whole marriage of convenience seemed like a soap opera, with the evil parents. I did like Rowan and Sid, and Rowan's twin brothers were fun.

[Marthea · Rating 2 out of 5]

1+
Książka była równie zaskakująca co śnieg na Antarktydzie, fikuśna jak przytulny pokój bez okien i klamek, skomplikowana jak konstrukcja cepa, interesująca jak jazda w korkach w godzinach szczytu i wiarygodna jak "Wiadomości" TVP...

Plusy? Była krótka 😁

[Florence . · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC but I really enjoyed this one. This book was such a joy to read and it was everything I wanted it to be. I just had such a lovely time reading this one.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion

[Chelsea Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow that’s all i can think to say is wow!! This book was amazing!! I loved it so very much!!! I just swooned over these two amazing men. Rowan has always done what his parents wanted. He even agrees to marry who they want. When he is on his bachelor trip he ends up marrying a complete stranger. But in all honesty marrying this strangled might just be the smartest decision he has ever made. This is the first step in finally taking control of his life even though he feels like he is completely out of control. His new husband, Sid, has always been a disappointment to his family. He is like the black sheep. So marrying a stranger is right in line with everything he has done in his life. However with this rash decision to get married these men find that even though they might have been strangers when they said I do, it may just be the best decision they both have ever made. They develop one of the most amazing and intense connections that turns into something so beautiful and real. I do red these two men and the beautiful life they were able to create together.


I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

POV: 3rd Person Dual POV

Standalone or series: Book 1 in the Do-Over series

Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩

Would I read it again: Most definitely!

[Kendra T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this. Rowan and Sid both have issues with their family. Rowan is being forced to marry a friend that he doesn’t want to because he doesn’t want to disappoint his family, and Sid is constantly rebelling because his family treats him like garbage. When they meet in Vegas and get married while drunk, they decide to keep going rather than annul. They both liked each other, but they also brought strength to each other when they started talking the morning after. They came together and fell for each other fast, but it was really their willingness to communicate, support each other, and become stronger together that made this so enjoyable. I can’t wait to read Harrison’s book.

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really great start to this new series by E.M. Denning. A drunken marriage to ruin an arranged marriage that neither groom wanted is always going to be fun and, whilst there is little to no drama I the relationship between Sid and Rowan, their families are a completely different story. They each need their own reality TV show to deal with all that's going on there.
Rowan was due to marry his closest friend, Harrison, but neither felt any attraction to the other, just going along with it to please their parents but a bachelor weekend in Vegas changes all of that. Sid has always been the outcast of his family since his mother married and his whole step family hate him. Since then he's done most things to spite them but still wants his mom to be happy. When it comes to drunkenly marrying Rowan, that's pretty much all for himself and the first selfish thing that Rowan has done, well, ever.
I love these two together. They click instantly and have great chemistry, along with a strong understanding of crazy family expectations. Both are clearly in need of that support only a significant other can provide. Sid has it from his best friend, Derek, and Rowan from Harrison and his twin brothers but it's not the same. My heart broke for both of them as there are realizations that they each make in the story and they're depressing in their own way. One family going too far and one nowhere near enough. There's a great cast of characters here and I'm hoping that Harrison is up next after the snippet as find out about him and I hope Derek gets his own at some point in the future.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[ReadingAddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rearranged is a sweet MM romance featuring waking up married and two amazing characters with a lot of chemistry.

Rowan is engaged to marry Harrison. It doesn't matter that neither he nor Harrison wanted to become engaged with each other or that they see each other just as friends. Their parents have decided and the obedient son Rowan is, he goes along with it until he wakes up married to another guy.
Sid has his own emotional problems. With a manipulating, gaslighting mother, a stepfather who only cares about his image, and stepsiblings who despise him, he hasn't had it easy in life.

Oh, I loved these two together. They just fit and supported each other so beautifully. The story was beautiful, even when I thought that it had some holes in it, but I think they will be filled in the next book of this series. I hope so. I am already looking forward to it.

*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*

[Leelah🍁♋️ Orion · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first DNF of the year. I’m a little sad. DNF 46%. As always diversity is a 0 stars. The only diversity I’ve seen is where they both got their money. I loved the concept of what this could have been. It disappointed. The characters kept repeating their issues. We got it the first 100 times. This isn’t something you normally do yet you felt trapped but you really need to go fix it, and they hate me so I’m gonna do what I want. That is what all conversation was. I tried to push through hoping they would change but then they just repeated the same talking points yet again and I can’t go on further.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was super cute! Nice little no-angst book about Rowan who is supposed to enter into a marriage of convenience with his best friend Harrison, to satisfy their parents' political and business dealings. The wedding party and others go to Vegas for the bachelor parties and somehow Rowan does get married - but not to Harrison. Loved Sid! Totally enjoyed this. I haven't read many of EM Denning's books but those I've read are all different and I appreciate that. I love authors who can spin tales with a totally different vibes.

[Rosabel · Rating 2 out of 5]

It got to awkward at the end, so I stopped at 72%. 🤭🤭🤷🏻‍♀️

I liked the beginning, it felt like a refreshing story, the guy I thought he was gonna end up with was not the guy. A new guy appears, they get married and they elope, everything was fine there.

Then they get to be around people and it got too corny, maybe it's a taste thing but the actions showed desperation, I got second hand embarrassment and I physically could go on.

Not for me. 👀

[Sharing The Book Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute read

Cute arranged marriage drunken Vegas read

This for me was a quick read but enjoyed the light heartedness and the fluff :)

Sid and Row, drunken mistakes that are meant to happen!! 1

HEA and would love to see some side characters get their stories as well

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the start but then the story became a bit monotone. There werent enough exciting and aww moments to pique my interest. I like the overarching theme and plot but i feel like it could have gone shorter.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas...especially when your whole life gets Rearranged...

Full review:
https://www.mmromancereviewed.com/202...

[Abrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rearranged by EM Denning is a squishy book. Sid and Rowan are such adorable characters. I loved them both so much and they were perfectly written.

I love arranged marriage books, they’re fun to read and I love watching two people who are resigned to their fate find what they need in each other. That is not this book. Rowan is supposed to marry the man of his parents’ choosing. He’s supposed to marry Harrison and while they had a plan to endure it, Rowan throws it all away one drunken night in Vegas. Instead of getting an arranged marriage book we get an “I accidentally married a stranger in Vegas so now I don’t have to marry my childhood friend.”

Sid is the literal redheaded stepchild. He’s had no one in his corner his entire life except for his best friend. But Sid needs love. He needs someone to love him and put him first. An unexpected trip to Vegas has him meeting and having dinner with the soon to be married Rowan. Very soon to be married Rowan, sooner than Rowan expected to be married and not to the man he expected to be married to. I can’t say he got a better deal, as Harrison doesn’t seem like a bad person, just bad for Rowan. Sid however, is perfect for Rowan. He’s a little damaged, a lot lonely, and so sweet. He’s probably my favorite character from EM Denning. He’s adorable and funny and loves Rowan so much.

Rowan is adorable in his own right as well. He’s very much a people pleaser which is why he almost married his good friend Harrison. He needs someone to help him stand up to his parents who are awful. I wanted to hurt them because they didn’t deserve how wonderfully kind and selfless he is. He’s lovely and perfect for Sid. They give each other what the other desperately needs. They fight for each other and they love each other in all the ways that they deserve.

Rearranged is soft and squishy and it’s perfect. Rowan and Sid are such perfect characters. They’re flawed in many ways. They have faults and weaknesses and need help in certain aspects, but that’s what makes them perfect. They need each other and they don’t fight that. While their relationship might be something neither of them ever expected, it’s also what they both needed. EM Denning did an amazing job at writing these boys. Their story was perfectly balanced with love, heat, snark, and squishy boys.

[Edga · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good read. I love a good 'married by mistake' romance. The dynamic between Rowan and Sid was everything. They were so great for one another. I like their persistence and willingness to simply be there for one another. I enjoyed how Rowan was there for Sid to ease his pain and apprehensions about his horrendous family. It was a cute, found family oriented, love filled tale.

[Guardian.angel54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that feeling when you put on that one jacket, or shirt, or shoes, and think to yourself, "I love this! Why don't I wear it more often? It's my favorite!" I have read books by E.M. Denning. In fact, I own quite a few, but diving into this book was like finding that favorite item all over again. I was instantly reminded of why I love her books and how comfortable they are to slip into.

Rowan and Sid are two men that are used to living their lives for other people. Rowan is the golden child that always acquiesced to whatever his parents demanded of him. Go to school of their choice - check! Work in career/job of their choice - check! Get engaged to his longtime friend, despite neither of them being in love with each other or wanting to marry - check! Getting drunk during his Vegas bachelor outing and marrying the stranger with the auburn hair, mischievous smirk, and sad eyes that he just met - Wait! What! Sid, has spent his life trying to gain his mother's love and attention, and when that failed, doing anything and everything to royally piss off his stepfather and stepsiblings - who have never hid their distaste for him. Running away to Vegas for a breather seemed like a good idea at the time, but drunkenly marrying the tall, dark, incredibly sexy man who looks at him like he really sees him was probably the best act of rebellion ever! Despite how they started, neither Rowan or Sid are willing to throw away a chance that they might have just found the best part of themselves in each other. The backlash from this is going to be brutal, but maybe, just maybe, if they lean on each other, they might come through the fire and discover that real love is in their grasp.

There are so many things I loved about this book, but first and foremost, was how absolutely smoothly the story flowed. Everything, from the world building to Rowan and Sid, and their secondary characters, were precisely fitted together. I sighed and smiled and anguished right along with the MC's and it never felt forced or suspending belief. I wanted to believe in Fate and the power of love because the author makes it so natural - so warm and familiar. Like that slipping on that favorite outfit. It just fits! This book has romantic sweetness - without sacrificing honesty, humor that is both endearing and bittersweet, and a HEA that was perfect! I'm already hoping that we get Harrison, the ex-fiancee's story and I'd love to see more of Rowan's brothers. This is a book that I know I'll re-read and I highly recommend it! Just perfect!

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best things about following an author on social media is getting to experience the full evolution of a story, from conception to publication. I followed along as Denning mentioned binge-reading all the arranged marriage trope romances she could find and then as she spoke about writing her own.

So, it was pretty easy to see in this novel where the author totally meant to write an arranged marriage story, featuring a friends-to-lovers arc, and where that went totally off the rails pretty much immediately. The story Denning set out to write probably would have been fine, but I can’t help preferring this version. The text reassures readers immediately (literally the second page) that cheating would not be an element to this story. Rowan and Sid have the immediate chemistry that Rowan and Harrison did not. Though drunken shenanigans were involved, I had so much fun as they threw caution to the wind and followed through on their accidental Vegas marriage.

Their entire relationship basically happens in reverse, but that made the arc between them fun and unique. I often felt really bad for Rowan, but I often couldn’t stop laughing at the interactions his anxiety incites between the heroes. Denning doesn’t just focus on Sid and Rowan, however; Rowan’s parents’ reaction to him rejecting the marriage they had arranged for him leads the characters (including Harrison) to band together to figure out what’s going on between their families. This external plot balanced with Rowan and Sid’s character development features the perfect amount of tension to keep this otherwise low-angst book from being a little too sweet.

I’m already looking forward to the second book in this duology, especially based on the hints Denning seeds in this story about the next set of heroes.

Disclaimer: I received an electronic ARC of the novel from the author.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arranged? Vegas? True love? This has it all

Arranged marriages and fake relationships are fun to read when you know they always end in true love, and this starts with Rowan's arranged marriage that doesn't happen when he weds a stranger in Vegas while on his bachelor party.
Sid is looked down on and ignored by his stepfather and step-siblings, not well-treated by his own mother, unloved and unwanted and unimportant to his family. Rowan has always kow-towed to his parents' demands, up to and including marrying his close friend despite them having no romantic feelings towards each other. Together each find what they didn't know they were looking for.
Sid stands up for Rowan, loves and supports him, makes him realise he can be his own man and that he deserves happiness. Rowan shows Sid his love and affection, makes him realise how important he is to his husband and puts him first, all things that have been lacking in Sid's life.
Together, they are perfect and absolutely devoted to each other right from their unconventional beginning. Their love was obvious and beautiful and all-consuming, showed by their words, their deeds, and definitely through the fact that they couldn't keep their hands off each other!
There were things that were glossed over, such as why the urgency for the arranged marriage and how what was behind it was resolved, but I found I couldn't care less in the greater scheme of things because Rowan and Sid outshone all that. I loved them together and I hope they appear in the rest of the series, but I'm expecting Harrison's story next and hoping for Max and Derek and maybe even Heath to get their own books too.

[Sarah C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidentally married is one of my favorite tropes - especially when done right. EM Dennings does it right in this book, introducing us to two strangers. Rowan is at his bachelor party, right before his arranged marriage to a childhood friend. The problem: he and his fiance don't love one another that way - at all. When he meets Sid, they hit it off and the next morning, Rowan wakes up to find that he married the stranger from the bar.

This begins a whirlwind romance between the two as they decide to stay married and figure it out. Their chemistry is undeniable from their first meeting and the two characters actually fit very well together. There isn't a lot of angst in their relationship, though there is some with external factors (mainly, Rowan's family).

Rowan and Sid are both amazing characters, surrounded by a cast of equally amazing side characters. Rowan's friend, his former fiance, pops off the page and makes me hope that EM Dennings writes his story soon, because I'm very interested in the bits we saw on page. Rowan's twin brothers amused me to no end. Sid's best friend was sweet in his short time on page and made me grin a lot. I love a book with side characters that you want to cheer for, who feel like they are more than placeholders or teasers for future series, and we definitely get that with Rearranged.

All in all, this is a low angst book with some decent spice and a story that had me hooked. Highly recommend.

** DISCLAIMER: ARC provided by GRR and this is my honest review. **

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

Rearranged is the first book in E.M. Denning’s new Do-Over series and it is just super charming. The story sets up Sid and Rowan as almost opposite sides of the same coin. Sid’s family thinks the worst of him and expects nothing good from him. No one seems to want him and Sid hides his hurt by putting on a front, rebelling against everything and acting out. Rowan has parents who expect everything from him. They use him like a possession, maneuvering him the way they want for maximum benefits to themselves. And Rowan responds by giving in, by not ruffling feathers. He knows his parents love him, why would it be so bad to just do what they want? So when these men get together, it is a shock to both of them. Sid gains an ally, a supporter, and someone who believes the best in him. And Sid then lives up to that belief, supporting Rowan, loving him, and being there for him. And Rowan has someone who helps him understand that he is not selfish for wanting a say in his own life, that his parents are manipulating him and it is ok to sometimes say no. So these guys are so good for one another and there is just a great dynamic where they both bring out the best in each other.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Incredible Stars 🌟

Rowan and Sid ❤️🔥❤️

1 drunken marriage leads to these guys finding the other half of their soul, their home ❤️ This book easily jumped into my top 5 of all time favorite reads, it was truly that good. I have never read 2 characters that have been written so perfectly imperfect, Rowan is the prodigal son...his life perfectly planned down to his arranged marriage, and Sid an epic disappointment to his high society mother, stepfather and step siblings. From the moment these two met the chemistry was undeniable, as they get to know one another they begin to feel a sense of home, protection and love....emotions which neither has truly felt ❤️ I loved these two together, they were the perfect piece to each other's puzzle, Sid remain strong while Rowan was weak....Rowan showed Sid a feeling of love and acceptance he had been searching for all his life ❤️ watching them fall in love and be there for each other was perfect...chefs kiss 💋 I highly recommend this book, it's cute, very sweet, sassy, sexy and EPIC!!! This one gets all the stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[rosdoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful feel-good “make your own family who loves and respects you, when the family you have doesn't” book. Sid and Rowan had crappy parents, but they found each other and found strength in each other to overcome their family drama. I love books with family drama and this one was perfect for that, complete with a couple of “let me tell you how it is and what I think” scenes. Great stuff!

The connection between Sid and Row was magnetic and steamy. They valued, respected, and protected each other, providing the very things that neither family gave. They were supported by caring friends and Rowan’s loving brothers. I was actually intrigued by several of those characters and hope they get stories of their own. Harrison’s story sounds like it would be packed with family drama, too. It would be nice to see something for Max and Derek, too - either separate stories or maybe they have a connection. No matter what the scenarios, I’d like to see more for all of these guys.

This was a great start to the series and I am looking forward to more!

[Brianne McCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series. It was sweet, light, low angst, steamy with a little bit of humor. It was such a fun story that sucked me from the very first page and I couldn't put it down. It was really well written with fantastic characters. I devoured this book in under 4 hours but it wasn't rushed at all. It flowed effortlessly. The 2 MCs were opposites that really completely each other and were the perfect couple. They had amazing chemistry. This relationship does move at warp speed given the circumstances of marrying a stranger and deciding to go all in and it may seem like instalove but I didn't mind it. They really felt meant for each other. There is definitely insta lust and quick steam but I felt the feelings were developed over time where the situation went from staying married just to make family mad to actually falling for each other.

I also really enjoyed the side characters and I'm looking forward to reading future books.