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Necessary Arrangements #1
A Deal with the Earl
There is no love in society marriages, unless one makes a deal with the earl.
Lady Julia has dreamed of marrying her childhood sweetheart since she was four years old. But her father has other plans, he wants her to marry an earl. When she is forced into an unwanted betrothal, Julie needs to make a choice: ruin her honor and wait for her true love or make a deal with the forbidding earl.
Robert, the earl of Clydesdale, has sworn off love and a marriage of convenience is more to his liking. So he wasn’t about to turn away a beautiful young lady’s plea for help in exchange for her hand in marriage. But once he spends more time with his betrothed, his icy heart begins to melt. Only his betrothed is in love with another. Now Robert has a choice, either lock his heart away and live in misery, or take a risk and fight for the woman he loves.
This work of fiction contains adult content, strong language, violence, off page death, bullying, nightmares, pregnancy and miscarriage.
Reader discretion is advised.
Lady Julia has dreamed of marrying her childhood sweetheart since she was four years old. But her father has other plans, he wants her to marry an earl. When she is forced into an unwanted betrothal, Julie needs to make a choice: ruin her honor and wait for her true love or make a deal with the forbidding earl.
Robert, the earl of Clydesdale, has sworn off love and a marriage of convenience is more to his liking. So he wasn’t about to turn away a beautiful young lady’s plea for help in exchange for her hand in marriage. But once he spends more time with his betrothed, his icy heart begins to melt. Only his betrothed is in love with another. Now Robert has a choice, either lock his heart away and live in misery, or take a risk and fight for the woman he loves.
This work of fiction contains adult content, strong language, violence, off page death, bullying, nightmares, pregnancy and miscarriage.
Reader discretion is advised.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2021
About the author
Sadie Bosque
54 books200 followersSadie Bosque is a steamy historical romance author. Surrounded by the enchantment of the historical setting, her love stories communicate to the modern reader through the experiences of her characters. The heroes and heroines of Sadie’s stories are flawed, imperfect creatures with big hearts. Sadie believes that a happily ever after has to be hard-earned. The trials and tribulations her characters go through make them stronger and make the HEA so much sweeter.
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Follow me on Bookbub for latest sales: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sadie...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
May 15, 2021
3.5 Pretty good!
The story begins with the h being separated from her boyfriend/ best friend. He is being forced into the army by her cruel father. The h does everything to dissuade suitors while she waits for her love. Unfortunately, her father betroths her behind her back to an Earl. With no way out the two MC make a deal. She wants more than anything to save her mentally disabled sister from the asylum that she has been in for the last 5 years.
Now I'm going to tell that Mary, the sister, was fantastic! The book should be called 'There something About Mary'. Loved her!! Best part of the whole book.
Unfortunately, I would rate the romance a 2.5. The MC were great, but the author didn't really develop the love story. They got married and frustratingly didn't consummate the marriage til the end of the book. The two MC weren't even in the same room together for 5 min. They avoided each other and used Mary as a buffer. The author missed a good opportunity.
Conculsion, this book is worth a try. I found it to be lovely. I'll admit I cried and laughed. I highly recommend!
The story begins with the h being separated from her boyfriend/ best friend. He is being forced into the army by her cruel father. The h does everything to dissuade suitors while she waits for her love. Unfortunately, her father betroths her behind her back to an Earl. With no way out the two MC make a deal. She wants more than anything to save her mentally disabled sister from the asylum that she has been in for the last 5 years.
Now I'm going to tell that Mary, the sister, was fantastic! The book should be called 'There something About Mary'. Loved her!! Best part of the whole book.
Unfortunately, I would rate the romance a 2.5. The MC were great, but the author didn't really develop the love story. They got married and frustratingly didn't consummate the marriage til the end of the book. The two MC weren't even in the same room together for 5 min. They avoided each other and used Mary as a buffer. The author missed a good opportunity.
Conculsion, this book is worth a try. I found it to be lovely. I'll admit I cried and laughed. I highly recommend!
March 22, 2021
2.5ish.
I wanted to read this book because the love triangle situation reminded me of a Bollywood movie (Dhadkan). The heroine, Julia, was in love with John but her father disapproved. They tried to elope but her father was able to prevent them and bought John a commission in the army. Julia promise to wait for John to return and they will marry. 3-5 years pass and her father has arranged a marriage with the hero, Robert, Earl of Clydesdale (heir to a dukedom). Julia agrees to the marriage only if Robert promises to help release Julia's 11 or 12-year-old sister, Mary, from an asylum. He agrees and she breaks off her promise to John. Poor John, but he'll get his HEA in book 2. From what I can recall, Robert gradually falls for Julia before she falls for him. There are a few misunderstandings along the way but I think they do try to communicate with each other when they can.
Not bad for a debut but I think it helps that I enjoy the tropes present in this book: arranged marriage to hero or heroine in love with someone else, hero or heroine longing or his/her spouse. :)
I wanted to read this book because the love triangle situation reminded me of a Bollywood movie (Dhadkan). The heroine, Julia, was in love with John but her father disapproved. They tried to elope but her father was able to prevent them and bought John a commission in the army. Julia promise to wait for John to return and they will marry. 3-5 years pass and her father has arranged a marriage with the hero, Robert, Earl of Clydesdale (heir to a dukedom). Julia agrees to the marriage only if Robert promises to help release Julia's 11 or 12-year-old sister, Mary, from an asylum. He agrees and she breaks off her promise to John. Poor John, but he'll get his HEA in book 2. From what I can recall, Robert gradually falls for Julia before she falls for him. There are a few misunderstandings along the way but I think they do try to communicate with each other when they can.
Not bad for a debut but I think it helps that I enjoy the tropes present in this book: arranged marriage to hero or heroine in love with someone else, hero or heroine longing or his/her spouse. :)
December 24, 2022
I am struggling to rate
The hero in this was hot and cold, and the heroine pushed him away for too long. And him keeping his mistress after marriage even. I didn't like their scenes together. The mistress was crude. He went to her and was sick and in a fever for three days and he slept with the mistress in his delirium but he doesn't remember any of it, so he tells the wife he wasn't unfaithful. She believed him even though he came home reeking of her and her perfume. She was the one who pushed him away but it ruined the book for me. She's a great writer, and the book was good, but i just hate scenes with the ow. Personal preference only. I will read her again.
The hero in this was hot and cold, and the heroine pushed him away for too long. And him keeping his mistress after marriage even. I didn't like their scenes together. The mistress was crude. He went to her and was sick and in a fever for three days and he slept with the mistress in his delirium but he doesn't remember any of it, so he tells the wife he wasn't unfaithful. She believed him even though he came home reeking of her and her perfume. She was the one who pushed him away but it ruined the book for me. She's a great writer, and the book was good, but i just hate scenes with the ow. Personal preference only. I will read her again.
July 2, 2022
3 Stars
This was my first Sadie Bosque, and from what I understand, this was a debut novel. Debuts are exceedingly difficult for me to review because there is no point of reference for the style, depth & development. Also, a lot of effort has gone into creating something from scratch and having the courage to put it out in the world for everyone to see. It is dressed to impress. And finally, it's probably one of the easiest things in the world to make a comment. So, I have erred on the side of objectivity whilst reviewing this book.
Content Warnings - Parental abuse on-page, miscarriage on-page, not quite cheating, but mistress tries to force her attention on the hero, but he stops her.
Things that I liked...
- Ms Bosque has written a very engaging story, as it inspired a reaction every step of the way.
- Though a marriage of convenience trope is the bread and butter of HR, I liked this plot. There were layers to it.
- The characters were well thought out. As a reader, I could feel where they were coming from.
- I enjoyed Robert quite a bit. He had a lovely softer side to him, one that craved affection. I genuinely loved his easy-going but protective demeanour, especially with Mary.
- Julie was a little difficult to digest as I do not like an insipid heroine. But her life was gut-wrenching. I understood her fears, her pain, and as a result, her reticence.
- Robert & Julie showed great potential for a budding chemistry.
- I loved the Dowager. Solid lady!
Things I did not like...
- The romance was not allowed to take root. The story kept branching into one misunderstanding to another. If it wasn't John, then it was Mary, or Eric or Vanessa or the asylum or the presumptions. One after the other, something hit, and the story diverged. I think Robert & Julie spent more time apart than they did together.
- The biggest common element for them to overlap was Mary. It's taking "charm the sister" tact a little too far, isn't it? As precious as Mary's character was, I felt it shadowed the central romance more than necessary.
- Julie, for the most part, came across as very selfish to me. In the face of adversity, it became all about her needs and her guilt. But she did not take any steps to solve it.
- Finally, ill-timed as it was, steam was good.
*Individually, Robert & Julie were starved for love, and they were looking for it in any place they could get it. Just that they were married without a way out, they found it with each other. Hmm, I like it, but I don't love it.
Not giving up on this author yet!
This was my first Sadie Bosque, and from what I understand, this was a debut novel. Debuts are exceedingly difficult for me to review because there is no point of reference for the style, depth & development. Also, a lot of effort has gone into creating something from scratch and having the courage to put it out in the world for everyone to see. It is dressed to impress. And finally, it's probably one of the easiest things in the world to make a comment. So, I have erred on the side of objectivity whilst reviewing this book.
Content Warnings - Parental abuse on-page, miscarriage on-page, not quite cheating, but mistress tries to force her attention on the hero, but he stops her.
Things that I liked...
- Ms Bosque has written a very engaging story, as it inspired a reaction every step of the way.
- Though a marriage of convenience trope is the bread and butter of HR, I liked this plot. There were layers to it.
- The characters were well thought out. As a reader, I could feel where they were coming from.
- I enjoyed Robert quite a bit. He had a lovely softer side to him, one that craved affection. I genuinely loved his easy-going but protective demeanour, especially with Mary.
- Julie was a little difficult to digest as I do not like an insipid heroine. But her life was gut-wrenching. I understood her fears, her pain, and as a result, her reticence.
- Robert & Julie showed great potential for a budding chemistry.
- I loved the Dowager. Solid lady!
Things I did not like...
- The romance was not allowed to take root. The story kept branching into one misunderstanding to another. If it wasn't John, then it was Mary, or Eric or Vanessa or the asylum or the presumptions. One after the other, something hit, and the story diverged. I think Robert & Julie spent more time apart than they did together.
- The biggest common element for them to overlap was Mary. It's taking "charm the sister" tact a little too far, isn't it? As precious as Mary's character was, I felt it shadowed the central romance more than necessary.
- Julie, for the most part, came across as very selfish to me. In the face of adversity, it became all about her needs and her guilt. But she did not take any steps to solve it.
- Finally, ill-timed as it was, steam was good.
*Individually, Robert & Julie were starved for love, and they were looking for it in any place they could get it. Just that they were married without a way out, they found it with each other. Hmm, I like it, but I don't love it.
Not giving up on this author yet!
February 12, 2021
Firstly, thank you to the author for giving me an ARC e-book copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows the journey of Julia and Robert, two people that are forced together and are both still affected by their pasts. Will they be able to truly come together, or will their pasts always get in the way?
I absolutely adored this story and devoured it in one day! I loved so much about this book, the characters were very well crafted, the plot was interesting, and the addition of Mary and the asylum plotline was wonderful. I loved the themes explored throughout the story and the historical aspect was excellently done. The time period felt very tangible and yet the author found the perfect balance of describing the period but not overdoing it. I have found some historical fiction is sometimes too focused on really pushing the historical aspect, but Bosque wrote it beautifully and this certainly wasn’t the case in this book, the story was so smooth, and it flowed perfectly.
I was thoroughly invested in both characters and was gripped the whole way through. Julia was a strong, determined woman with plenty of opinions – which I loved. Seeing how she fit (or didn’t fit) into society was interesting and I felt that her reactions to everything were very realistic and relatable. Julia’s relationship with her sister, Mary, was so heart-warming and the themes explored through Mary were so well done. I loved the dynamic Mary added to the story and to the relationship between Julia and Robert.
Robert was an interesting character as well; he has been scorned before and still holds a lot of hurt from that experience. I loved getting to see his perspective on their situations, and I thought he was written very well, and he had a lot of depth to him. All of the insecurities that both characters had led to a lot of miscommunication which was frustrating but in a good way – the angst was wonderfully done and had me speeding through it as I was so invested!
Having read the author's novella prequel, I loved that she gave us an insight into what became of those characters and the family and legacy they developed. This was a wonderful extra and I was so happy the author added this. Reading the novella is not at all needed to read this book, (they are separate stories) but I did really appreciate the reference to these characters.
Overall, the book has great pacing, a beautifully crafted historical setting, well rounded and interesting characters as well as a delightful story! I loved reading it and was delighted by have captivated I was - historical romance isn’t a regular genre for me but I devoured this one! I cannot wait to read more from this author, would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a good, well written, and layered historical romance.
The story follows the journey of Julia and Robert, two people that are forced together and are both still affected by their pasts. Will they be able to truly come together, or will their pasts always get in the way?
I absolutely adored this story and devoured it in one day! I loved so much about this book, the characters were very well crafted, the plot was interesting, and the addition of Mary and the asylum plotline was wonderful. I loved the themes explored throughout the story and the historical aspect was excellently done. The time period felt very tangible and yet the author found the perfect balance of describing the period but not overdoing it. I have found some historical fiction is sometimes too focused on really pushing the historical aspect, but Bosque wrote it beautifully and this certainly wasn’t the case in this book, the story was so smooth, and it flowed perfectly.
I was thoroughly invested in both characters and was gripped the whole way through. Julia was a strong, determined woman with plenty of opinions – which I loved. Seeing how she fit (or didn’t fit) into society was interesting and I felt that her reactions to everything were very realistic and relatable. Julia’s relationship with her sister, Mary, was so heart-warming and the themes explored through Mary were so well done. I loved the dynamic Mary added to the story and to the relationship between Julia and Robert.
Robert was an interesting character as well; he has been scorned before and still holds a lot of hurt from that experience. I loved getting to see his perspective on their situations, and I thought he was written very well, and he had a lot of depth to him. All of the insecurities that both characters had led to a lot of miscommunication which was frustrating but in a good way – the angst was wonderfully done and had me speeding through it as I was so invested!
Having read the author's novella prequel, I loved that she gave us an insight into what became of those characters and the family and legacy they developed. This was a wonderful extra and I was so happy the author added this. Reading the novella is not at all needed to read this book, (they are separate stories) but I did really appreciate the reference to these characters.
Overall, the book has great pacing, a beautifully crafted historical setting, well rounded and interesting characters as well as a delightful story! I loved reading it and was delighted by have captivated I was - historical romance isn’t a regular genre for me but I devoured this one! I cannot wait to read more from this author, would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a good, well written, and layered historical romance.
January 8, 2022
OK, so the warning "This work of fiction contains adult content, strong language, violence, off page death, bullying, nightmares, pregnancy and miscarriage." & the fact that the heroine is in love with someone else made me want to read this novel. (Not to mention I found out about the book because it's free on Amazon.)
Normally, warnings scare people off but not me 😂
The book starts off with Julie trying to sneak off and elope with her neighbor and the guy she's been in love with her whole life, John. Her father, the marquess, is dead set against this and buys John a commission to enter the army. Meanwhile, he betroths Julie to a duke's son.
Even though yes, it's an arranged marriage, the romance between Julie and Robert took a backseat for half the book. Instead, the book focused on Julie's sister Mary, who they rescue from an insane asylum. I'm glad the author reveals at the end that Mary has Down Syndrome because I was wondering. I thought Mary was going to die in the book too because the warning mentions an off page death.
I would have liked this book more had the romance been less lackluster. All of a sudden, at the end of the novel, they have sex a few more times and are finally in love. Where was the talking or connection between them?
This book made me realize how pretty a name Julie was. My sister had a friend named Julie growing up. Robert is also my dad's name lol. I felt badly for John though because he loses his girl. I'm glad he came back in the story. Julie actively picked Robert over John. I thought that was important for the story.
Normally, warnings scare people off but not me 😂
The book starts off with Julie trying to sneak off and elope with her neighbor and the guy she's been in love with her whole life, John. Her father, the marquess, is dead set against this and buys John a commission to enter the army. Meanwhile, he betroths Julie to a duke's son.
Even though yes, it's an arranged marriage, the romance between Julie and Robert took a backseat for half the book. Instead, the book focused on Julie's sister Mary, who they rescue from an insane asylum. I'm glad the author reveals at the end that Mary has Down Syndrome because I was wondering. I thought Mary was going to die in the book too because the warning mentions an off page death.
I would have liked this book more had the romance been less lackluster. All of a sudden, at the end of the novel, they have sex a few more times and are finally in love. Where was the talking or connection between them?
This book made me realize how pretty a name Julie was. My sister had a friend named Julie growing up. Robert is also my dad's name lol. I felt badly for John though because he loses his girl. I'm glad he came back in the story. Julie actively picked Robert over John. I thought that was important for the story.
June 15, 2021
I really suck at reviews and never know what to say but I don’t want to not say anything. Especially if I really loved the book.
I spend a lot of time researching the books I read. I read 415 books last year and 187 already this year and most were authors I know that will write a good story. Over the last few years I have really been interested in discovering new authors. Sadie Bosque and is one of those new authors I just found.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the storyline and the characters. Loved Julie and Robert.
This book was well written and just an overall great read. I'm so glad I took a chance a read this book. Can't wait for the others.
I spend a lot of time researching the books I read. I read 415 books last year and 187 already this year and most were authors I know that will write a good story. Over the last few years I have really been interested in discovering new authors. Sadie Bosque and is one of those new authors I just found.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the storyline and the characters. Loved Julie and Robert.
This book was well written and just an overall great read. I'm so glad I took a chance a read this book. Can't wait for the others.
February 7, 2021
A Deal with the Earl: Historical romance novel
Necessary Arrangements Series #1
Sadie Bosque
https://www.facebook.com/sadiebosquea...
Release Date 02/10/2021
https://amzn.to/3aIIZVj
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
There is no love in society marriages, unless one makes a deal with the earl.
Lady Julia has dreamed of marrying her childhood sweetheart since she was four years old. But her father has other plans, he wants her to marry an earl. When she is forced into an unwanted betrothal, Julie needs to make a choice: ruin her honor and wait for her true love or make a deal with the forbidding earl.
Robert, the earl of Clydesdale, has sworn off love and a marriage of convenience is more to his liking. So he wasn’t about to turn away a beautiful young lady’s plea for help in exchange for her hand in marriage. But once he spends more time with his betrothed, his icy heart begins to melt. Only his betrothed is in love with another. Now Robert has a choice, either lock his heart away and live in misery, or take a risk and fight for the woman he loves.
This work of fiction contains adult content, strong language, violence, off page death, bullying, nightmares, pregnancy and miscarriage.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they be able to wipe the slate clean before it is too late ...
Wow if one thing is certain is that this story will not leave you unmoved. I felt sadness, joy, anger, distress, love all along the pages.
Julie and Robert’s journey to their happily ever after is one paved by hurt and wounds festering because they let misgivings and miscommunications come between them.
From the very beginning, their union was doomed, they were both lead to this marriage by others’ need. Upon there, they make mistakes after mistakes, shutting their feelings and letting their doubts take the better of them.
In fact they are both guilty of the sorry state of their match.
By keeping their past scars close to their heart they likely threw water on the fire. When a net and clear discussion could have solved them a lot of pain. But they hold on their pride so much they do not see the other as an allied, more like the enemy.
Julie could have been the typical young debutante if she had not fallen in love with a man deemed unsuitable by her father. And while she tried to hold on her long time love, she has reached her imparted time. And must give up her hope for a marriage of love.
So she bargains with her only value, possible heirs in exchange for her sister’s freedom.
Robert has tested betrayal which made him wary of women and their agenda. So when he finds himself betrothed to a woman who reject him from first sight. He is unsure a deal will be enough to free his mind of doubts.
Their relationship is strained by their fears, their secrets and their inability to communicate and open their heart.
This is no light read as they must learn to overcome their past trauma, but also their present fears and the uncertainty of the future all the while giving words to all their doubts, distresses and facing the ton’s scorn.
I just would have liked them to be able reach a certain equilibrium a little earlier in the story than the far end.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Necessary Arrangements Series #1
Sadie Bosque
https://www.facebook.com/sadiebosquea...
Release Date 02/10/2021
https://amzn.to/3aIIZVj
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
There is no love in society marriages, unless one makes a deal with the earl.
Lady Julia has dreamed of marrying her childhood sweetheart since she was four years old. But her father has other plans, he wants her to marry an earl. When she is forced into an unwanted betrothal, Julie needs to make a choice: ruin her honor and wait for her true love or make a deal with the forbidding earl.
Robert, the earl of Clydesdale, has sworn off love and a marriage of convenience is more to his liking. So he wasn’t about to turn away a beautiful young lady’s plea for help in exchange for her hand in marriage. But once he spends more time with his betrothed, his icy heart begins to melt. Only his betrothed is in love with another. Now Robert has a choice, either lock his heart away and live in misery, or take a risk and fight for the woman he loves.
This work of fiction contains adult content, strong language, violence, off page death, bullying, nightmares, pregnancy and miscarriage.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they be able to wipe the slate clean before it is too late ...
Wow if one thing is certain is that this story will not leave you unmoved. I felt sadness, joy, anger, distress, love all along the pages.
Julie and Robert’s journey to their happily ever after is one paved by hurt and wounds festering because they let misgivings and miscommunications come between them.
From the very beginning, their union was doomed, they were both lead to this marriage by others’ need. Upon there, they make mistakes after mistakes, shutting their feelings and letting their doubts take the better of them.
In fact they are both guilty of the sorry state of their match.
By keeping their past scars close to their heart they likely threw water on the fire. When a net and clear discussion could have solved them a lot of pain. But they hold on their pride so much they do not see the other as an allied, more like the enemy.
Julie could have been the typical young debutante if she had not fallen in love with a man deemed unsuitable by her father. And while she tried to hold on her long time love, she has reached her imparted time. And must give up her hope for a marriage of love.
So she bargains with her only value, possible heirs in exchange for her sister’s freedom.
Robert has tested betrayal which made him wary of women and their agenda. So when he finds himself betrothed to a woman who reject him from first sight. He is unsure a deal will be enough to free his mind of doubts.
Their relationship is strained by their fears, their secrets and their inability to communicate and open their heart.
This is no light read as they must learn to overcome their past trauma, but also their present fears and the uncertainty of the future all the while giving words to all their doubts, distresses and facing the ton’s scorn.
I just would have liked them to be able reach a certain equilibrium a little earlier in the story than the far end.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
December 25, 2023
3 1/2 ⭐️The concept and conceit intrigued, and although the story started out very strongly, it seems to loose momentum somewhere near the mid point and never really fully regained my complete interest. Unfortunately the romance never fully found its legs, and was overshadowed by other more compelling characters and their stories (Mary). Additionally as I listened to the audiobook I found the flipping between narrators distracting and may have contributed to my being less engaged at times.
April 7, 2024
It's always a little weird to me when romance authors seem to sometimes forget they're writing a romance novel.
So, I did appreciate the basic plot of this one, because I thought it was a good take on the marriage of convenience trope. Often, such a marriage is to save the woman's reputation because she did something AWFUL like, I don't know, talk, or because the man doesn't get to inherit unless he's married, or something like that. But Julie agreeing to the marriage so that Robert could help get her sister Mary freed from the asylum gave it much more urgency and believability. Julie desperately wanted to get her sister out and bring her to her home to care for her, and Robert wanted to help her, especially after seeing the horrid conditions in the asylum. So I liked that there was this very serious and realistic reason for their marriage. I also thought the bit of a love triangle was done well, too. Julie and John had this young love between them, and she wanted to wait for him to come home from the war (although...not like that was a guarantee, of course). But then the opportunity to get Mary out could not be passed up, and it's completely understandable that Julie would renege on her promise to John in those circumstances.
But...I had a lot of issues. First, the writing just wasn't that solid and really needed a better editor. Lots of repeated words from one sentence to the next, weird lack of contractions at times, some odd descriptions, etc. More importantly, as mentioned above, I just felt like the romance was not front and center most of the time. Julie and Robert spend a lot of time apart, and much of their time together ends up focused on Mary. And then they finally start sleeping together, well after their marriage, and suddenly they're all into each other. There just was so little build-up of their feelings and no real look at how the connection developed. Even the way Julie was so worried that Robert was still seeing his mistress, I was like...why do you care? You don't love him, you don't know him at all, but you're acting hurt and insulted. I just didn't get it, and even by the end, I had no reason to believe this romance, which is not great in a romance novel!
And regarding Mary...so, the girl has Down Syndrome, which the author explains in a brief note at the end, saying that the character is based off a couple of people she knows with Down Syndrome. I know that it is a spectrum and there are many different manifestations and presentations of the syndrome in different people. But I was pretty uncomfortable with Mary's portrayal. At first, she tells Robert she's 11, because she was put in the asylum after she turned 11 and since she hasn't had any birthday parties in there, she apparently thinks she hasn't gotten older. But we find out a bit later from Julie that she's actually 16. But she speaks and acts like a toddler. She calls horses "horsies" and when Robert asks if she wants to go feed them, she says, "I want to feed horsey". When he's going to take her on a picnic, she just keeps repeating to Julie "Pic-nic" with the hyphen on page. We're told she's smart but we're only shown her behaving like a small child. In the epilogue, we're told she's now working as a nanny at the reformed asylum, which...ooooookay. Of course people with Down Syndrome can have jobs and are capable of doing a lot, but it seems odd to have someone who talks and thinks and acts like a five year old taking care of children. I just wish the author hadn't tried to do this, because it felt uncomfortable most of the time.
And there is a very late-stage dramatic event that I just did not understand the reason for including, other than to convince us that Julie and Robert love each other super super strongly. Bleh.
Good premise, poor execution, basically.
So, I did appreciate the basic plot of this one, because I thought it was a good take on the marriage of convenience trope. Often, such a marriage is to save the woman's reputation because she did something AWFUL like, I don't know, talk, or because the man doesn't get to inherit unless he's married, or something like that. But Julie agreeing to the marriage so that Robert could help get her sister Mary freed from the asylum gave it much more urgency and believability. Julie desperately wanted to get her sister out and bring her to her home to care for her, and Robert wanted to help her, especially after seeing the horrid conditions in the asylum. So I liked that there was this very serious and realistic reason for their marriage. I also thought the bit of a love triangle was done well, too. Julie and John had this young love between them, and she wanted to wait for him to come home from the war (although...not like that was a guarantee, of course). But then the opportunity to get Mary out could not be passed up, and it's completely understandable that Julie would renege on her promise to John in those circumstances.
But...I had a lot of issues. First, the writing just wasn't that solid and really needed a better editor. Lots of repeated words from one sentence to the next, weird lack of contractions at times, some odd descriptions, etc. More importantly, as mentioned above, I just felt like the romance was not front and center most of the time. Julie and Robert spend a lot of time apart, and much of their time together ends up focused on Mary. And then they finally start sleeping together, well after their marriage, and suddenly they're all into each other. There just was so little build-up of their feelings and no real look at how the connection developed. Even the way Julie was so worried that Robert was still seeing his mistress, I was like...why do you care? You don't love him, you don't know him at all, but you're acting hurt and insulted. I just didn't get it, and even by the end, I had no reason to believe this romance, which is not great in a romance novel!
And regarding Mary...so, the girl has Down Syndrome, which the author explains in a brief note at the end, saying that the character is based off a couple of people she knows with Down Syndrome. I know that it is a spectrum and there are many different manifestations and presentations of the syndrome in different people. But I was pretty uncomfortable with Mary's portrayal. At first, she tells Robert she's 11, because she was put in the asylum after she turned 11 and since she hasn't had any birthday parties in there, she apparently thinks she hasn't gotten older. But we find out a bit later from Julie that she's actually 16. But she speaks and acts like a toddler. She calls horses "horsies" and when Robert asks if she wants to go feed them, she says, "I want to feed horsey". When he's going to take her on a picnic, she just keeps repeating to Julie "Pic-nic" with the hyphen on page. We're told she's smart but we're only shown her behaving like a small child. In the epilogue, we're told she's now working as a nanny at the reformed asylum, which...ooooookay. Of course people with Down Syndrome can have jobs and are capable of doing a lot, but it seems odd to have someone who talks and thinks and acts like a five year old taking care of children. I just wish the author hadn't tried to do this, because it felt uncomfortable most of the time.
And there is a very late-stage dramatic event that I just did not understand the reason for including, other than to convince us that Julie and Robert love each other super super strongly. Bleh.
Good premise, poor execution, basically.
January 9, 2023
I read romance sometimes to cope with stress. One of my favorite tropes is the marriage of convenience -- something something people making the best of a bad situation and it all turning out for the best, etc. That is why I picked up this book.
It was a hot hot mess. At its simplest, a young woman is forced into marriage against her will; in return she asks her husband-to-be to liberate her disabled sister from the asylum and bring her to live with them. He agrees. This could have been the whole plot of the book, and I would have enjoyed it. A challenging situation, dive into their characters and see how everyone deals with the adversity, it works out, happy ending!
Instead, the author decided to add every romance trope she could squeeze into it. Childhood sweetheart sent off to war, check. Cast off mistress is angry, check. Corrupt politicians, check. Abusive families, check. Random relative who tries to seduce everyone the hero wants to marry, check. (Is this behavior specific to It's never explained.) Damaging personal correspondence stolen, check. Scandal and social consequences, check (though we're only TOLD about these, we never see them). Fear of pregnancy, check. Dramatic miscarriage and near loss of life, check. Setting up characters for the next book, check.
Too much. No time to develop anything or deal with any consequences, because every few pages we are off on a new conflict! Characters should have been the focus, but they were superficial and inconsistent. There were some good ideas but they were never properly developed. As it was, I ended up skimming a lot. Two stars only because I did actually finish it, and I appreciated the ideas in the "main" plot.
It was a hot hot mess. At its simplest, a young woman is forced into marriage against her will; in return she asks her husband-to-be to liberate her disabled sister from the asylum and bring her to live with them. He agrees. This could have been the whole plot of the book, and I would have enjoyed it. A challenging situation, dive into their characters and see how everyone deals with the adversity, it works out, happy ending!
Instead, the author decided to add every romance trope she could squeeze into it. Childhood sweetheart sent off to war, check. Cast off mistress is angry, check. Corrupt politicians, check. Abusive families, check. Random relative who tries to seduce everyone the hero wants to marry, check. (Is this behavior specific to It's never explained.) Damaging personal correspondence stolen, check. Scandal and social consequences, check (though we're only TOLD about these, we never see them). Fear of pregnancy, check. Dramatic miscarriage and near loss of life, check. Setting up characters for the next book, check.
Too much. No time to develop anything or deal with any consequences, because every few pages we are off on a new conflict! Characters should have been the focus, but they were superficial and inconsistent. There were some good ideas but they were never properly developed. As it was, I ended up skimming a lot. Two stars only because I did actually finish it, and I appreciated the ideas in the "main" plot.
February 24, 2021
I beta read this fun romance! Julia and Robert’s story was unique, and full of memorable characters. The storyline was well done, and overall I think it’s a great read for any regency romance fan!
February 9, 2021
A Deal with the Earl introduces us to Lady Julie, she’s determined to marry her childhood sweetheart and the story opens with them planning to run away together. But Julie’s father has other plans for her life...when he catches them running away he locks up Julie in her room and buys her childhood love a commission into the army & sends him off. A few years pass and while Julie is still hoping to marry her childhood sweetheart when he returns, her father finally lets her know his plans for her life...she’s to marry a titled gentleman of the peerage.
Robert, Earl of Clydesdale, finds out from his father that it is his time to step up to the plate...he needs to get married already and start providing heirs. Robert’s father & Julie’s father decide on a betrothal between them and while Robert goes along with it for the sake of his father & grandmother, Julie is not so pleased to find out about the marriage plan.
Julie realizes it’s either ruin her honor or get married and strike a deal with her husband-to-be. So their bargain begins, Robert tells Julie he needs heirs and she informs him she needs help freeing her sister out of an asylum. I enjoyed this read, it felt fresh and I was just along for the ride it was taking me on. Robert was very sweet with Julie’s sister and taking on the asylum. I liked seeing Julie and Robert make the most out of their arranged marriage situation that their father’s put them in and forming a friendship/connection together slowly. This story is not light but takes you on a journey of emotions right alongside Robert and Julie as they battle their fears from their pasts and try to forge a relationship together. I did appreciate that the author left content warning (stong language, adult content, bullying, nightmares, pregnancy, miscarriage) for those who need it and does leave in after-notes at the end of the story that Julie’s sister has Down Syndrome and a lot of the asylum story was based on actual historical events.
I was given an advance copy of this book by the author, but my review and thoughts are all my own.
Robert, Earl of Clydesdale, finds out from his father that it is his time to step up to the plate...he needs to get married already and start providing heirs. Robert’s father & Julie’s father decide on a betrothal between them and while Robert goes along with it for the sake of his father & grandmother, Julie is not so pleased to find out about the marriage plan.
Julie realizes it’s either ruin her honor or get married and strike a deal with her husband-to-be. So their bargain begins, Robert tells Julie he needs heirs and she informs him she needs help freeing her sister out of an asylum. I enjoyed this read, it felt fresh and I was just along for the ride it was taking me on. Robert was very sweet with Julie’s sister and taking on the asylum. I liked seeing Julie and Robert make the most out of their arranged marriage situation that their father’s put them in and forming a friendship/connection together slowly. This story is not light but takes you on a journey of emotions right alongside Robert and Julie as they battle their fears from their pasts and try to forge a relationship together. I did appreciate that the author left content warning (stong language, adult content, bullying, nightmares, pregnancy, miscarriage) for those who need it and does leave in after-notes at the end of the story that Julie’s sister has Down Syndrome and a lot of the asylum story was based on actual historical events.
I was given an advance copy of this book by the author, but my review and thoughts are all my own.
April 17, 2021
I really enjoyed my first book by this author. The heroine's father arranges her MOC and the H is a good man who wants a family. There is some OW drama, no physical cheating but the couple needed to grow up. They did during this book and I really liked how they made sure they talked to each other. Interestingly, part of the plot is a sweet young girl with Down's syndrome. It's a sweet story, slightly steamy and nice epilogue. Loved it.
June 6, 2023
Great
What a great story..The romance between the two main characters is amazing.. Then the sides characters the heroine's sister and the hero's grandmother are just stunning.. I look forward to the next book in this series
Another thing about the book that I loved,
I loved that Sadie brought up a topic of how many special needs people were horribly mistreated in the asylums and she brought up how awful the treatment, conditions etc were for those in the asylums.
What a great story..The romance between the two main characters is amazing.. Then the sides characters the heroine's sister and the hero's grandmother are just stunning.. I look forward to the next book in this series
Another thing about the book that I loved,
I loved that Sadie brought up a topic of how many special needs people were horribly mistreated in the asylums and she brought up how awful the treatment, conditions etc were for those in the asylums.
March 9, 2021
Saving Herself💃, Saving Mary👩
ADULT Regency Romance 💕 and Second Chance 💘love.
Lady Julie's 💃💋childhood love , John💂🔪, is forced to go off to fight Napoleonn in order to put a stop to their attempted elopement. Her awful Marquess father👺 then makes an arranged marriage 👰to an Earl. Before all this sadness and turmoil her father had put Mary👩, her younger mentally challenged sister in an insane asylum where she is assaulted and abused! Julie💃💋 just wants her sister back!
Julie 💃💋makes a deal with Robert🐺🍆⛲, her new husband, the Earl. If he will help her get her sister 👩back, she will gladly provide him with an heir. Can true love 💘grow from an arranged marriage 👰where man and wife distrust each other?
ARC Provided by Prolific Works📚
I also got this ebook with KU.
This is a very interesting and well written ADULT Regency period Romance . The subject matter is for mature readers and the ADULT scenes are tastefully written and not graphic.
The book does end in a sort of cliffhanger that leads the reader into the next installment of the series. I believe this is the first book by author Bosque📚 I have read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it all the way through.
ADULT Regency Romance 💕 and Second Chance 💘love.
Lady Julie's 💃💋childhood love , John💂🔪, is forced to go off to fight Napoleonn in order to put a stop to their attempted elopement. Her awful Marquess father👺 then makes an arranged marriage 👰to an Earl. Before all this sadness and turmoil her father had put Mary👩, her younger mentally challenged sister in an insane asylum where she is assaulted and abused! Julie💃💋 just wants her sister back!
Julie 💃💋makes a deal with Robert🐺🍆⛲, her new husband, the Earl. If he will help her get her sister 👩back, she will gladly provide him with an heir. Can true love 💘grow from an arranged marriage 👰where man and wife distrust each other?
ARC Provided by Prolific Works📚
I also got this ebook with KU.
This is a very interesting and well written ADULT Regency period Romance . The subject matter is for mature readers and the ADULT scenes are tastefully written and not graphic.
The book does end in a sort of cliffhanger that leads the reader into the next installment of the series. I believe this is the first book by author Bosque📚 I have read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it all the way through.
October 10, 2022
I’ve been on a big Regency/Victorian romance kick lately, and this is my favorite of all the ones I’ve read. There was this wonderful depth to the two main characters, and there was so much heart in the story.
It also felt so much more real than a lot of romance tales do. Don’t get me wrong, I��m okay reading romance that’s not realistic—the escape is fun. But this one managed to keep that wonderful escapist aspect (couldn’t put it down), while still hitting on hard, real, raw issues, like grief and disability and prejudice. There’s even a “first time” love scene that’s far from perfect, and it suited these characters and their story so well.
Fantastic storytelling from this author—I’m about to grab the second book of the series!
P.S. I see that the top reviewer didn’t like the delay in their romance. I’m all about a good slow burn, so that aspect of it worked really well for me! It’s all a matter of reader preference.
It also felt so much more real than a lot of romance tales do. Don’t get me wrong, I��m okay reading romance that’s not realistic—the escape is fun. But this one managed to keep that wonderful escapist aspect (couldn’t put it down), while still hitting on hard, real, raw issues, like grief and disability and prejudice. There’s even a “first time” love scene that’s far from perfect, and it suited these characters and their story so well.
Fantastic storytelling from this author—I’m about to grab the second book of the series!
P.S. I see that the top reviewer didn’t like the delay in their romance. I’m all about a good slow burn, so that aspect of it worked really well for me! It’s all a matter of reader preference.
November 12, 2022
Julie fell in love with a boy (John) when she was a child and that love lasted through childhood and to her teens to adulthood. He also loved her back. Before they can be together, they are forced away by Julie's cruel father. In the next 3 or so years, Julie finds a way to turn off any interested suitors. Until her father has enough and betrothed her without her knowledge to an earl (Robert). Julie realizes she doesn't have a choice in this, but she does bargain for her sister's freedom. Her sister Mary, was sent to an asylum after their mother's death and has been there for the last 5 years.
This was a sweet slow-burn. Two people who know nothing about each other. They fall in love very slowly. They make assumptions easily. They don't, at least at first, spend any time alone; Mary and/or Robert's grandmother are there as well. I did like Mary; she added some warmth to the story. A good scene was Julie standing up for herself to her father.
This was a sweet slow-burn. Two people who know nothing about each other. They fall in love very slowly. They make assumptions easily. They don't, at least at first, spend any time alone; Mary and/or Robert's grandmother are there as well. I did like Mary; she added some warmth to the story. A good scene was Julie standing up for herself to her father.
August 6, 2022
I learned that this was a debut novel after I read it and
I think that Sadie Bosque has great potential.
-I love a marriage of convenience and this one had some nice complexities.
-Robert was a decent hero. He had a loving, affectionate side that was nice. I liked that he wanted love and a family. However, I hate when my first impression of a hero is with a mistress and the scene in this book was icky. Then later so many of his assumptions were baseless and felt childish. I thought "what a dick" too many times and it dulled my good feelings for him. It made me wonder if I'd like him as a friend in real life..
-Julie was inconsistent. I didn't care for her most of the time. I would be hopeful when she'd stand up and speak her mind. But then something would ruin it. The wedding night was extremely puzzling.
-Mary was a sweet character and I appreciate the leap that Ms. Bosque took. But Mary dominated the story. It became almost uncomfortable how focused everyone was on her. Robert and Julie's relationship definitely took a back seat.
-Too many things happened in the story that never developed. Things felt unfinished and left me feeling unsatisfied and like Julie was indifferent and flat. The mistress anyone? Did Julie even care?
-The lack of communication became tedious. I know it's a trope in romance but readers need some relief and again, Julie came across as uncaring and indifferent. Robert came across as childish and insecure.
-And a HUGE pet peeve of mine is when an author tries to convey love with sex scenes and constant lust. I understand that everyone wants to feel wanted and attractive but I need a relationship to develop for a romance to be believable. I know I don't want a man who only wants me for sex.
-On that note, what's with the lip-licking being such a turn on? Tongues are not that hot.
Intimate juices? gross. Stimulated? nope.
I think that Sadie Bosque has great potential.
-I love a marriage of convenience and this one had some nice complexities.
-Robert was a decent hero. He had a loving, affectionate side that was nice. I liked that he wanted love and a family. However, I hate when my first impression of a hero is with a mistress and the scene in this book was icky. Then later so many of his assumptions were baseless and felt childish. I thought "what a dick" too many times and it dulled my good feelings for him. It made me wonder if I'd like him as a friend in real life..
-Julie was inconsistent. I didn't care for her most of the time. I would be hopeful when she'd stand up and speak her mind. But then something would ruin it. The wedding night was extremely puzzling.
-Mary was a sweet character and I appreciate the leap that Ms. Bosque took. But Mary dominated the story. It became almost uncomfortable how focused everyone was on her. Robert and Julie's relationship definitely took a back seat.
-Too many things happened in the story that never developed. Things felt unfinished and left me feeling unsatisfied and like Julie was indifferent and flat. The mistress anyone? Did Julie even care?
-The lack of communication became tedious. I know it's a trope in romance but readers need some relief and again, Julie came across as uncaring and indifferent. Robert came across as childish and insecure.
-And a HUGE pet peeve of mine is when an author tries to convey love with sex scenes and constant lust. I understand that everyone wants to feel wanted and attractive but I need a relationship to develop for a romance to be believable. I know I don't want a man who only wants me for sex.
-On that note, what's with the lip-licking being such a turn on? Tongues are not that hot.
Intimate juices? gross. Stimulated? nope.
June 13, 2022
absol-freaking-not
PAGE 14 !!! "maybe I am hungry too..... but not for food" "she turned to him and stared at his raging erection" "Robert started directing her head to where he wanted her"
No idea how I fell for this marketing gimmic to buy this porn on paper. But I'm absolutely disgusted. Sadie Bosque give me my freaking money back!! This was after some pretty heavy Domestic Violence in the first 13 pages!!!!!!! G-A-R-B-A-G-E
PAGE 14 !!! "maybe I am hungry too..... but not for food" "she turned to him and stared at his raging erection" "Robert started directing her head to where he wanted her"
No idea how I fell for this marketing gimmic to buy this porn on paper. But I'm absolutely disgusted. Sadie Bosque give me my freaking money back!! This was after some pretty heavy Domestic Violence in the first 13 pages!!!!!!! G-A-R-B-A-G-E
July 17, 2022
Save your time and money
I have been looking for a good book to get caught up in, but this was not the one. The plot is riddled with holes and lacks depth. The characters are not well developed. If you are looking for something beneath the surface, you will be sorely disappointed. I didn’t care for the writing or the forced attempts to incorporate quaint or clever vocabulary. Don’t make the same mistake I did by reading this book because you’ll never get those hours back.
I have been looking for a good book to get caught up in, but this was not the one. The plot is riddled with holes and lacks depth. The characters are not well developed. If you are looking for something beneath the surface, you will be sorely disappointed. I didn’t care for the writing or the forced attempts to incorporate quaint or clever vocabulary. Don’t make the same mistake I did by reading this book because you’ll never get those hours back.
January 22, 2024
"𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗲," 𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗹𝘆. "𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘂𝘀."
*~*~*~*~*
Arranged Marriage✔️
Down syndrome representation✔️
Marriage of Convenience✔️
This was one of the first historical romances that I’ve actually enjoyed and didn’t want to put down, it was a book that I found on “Stuff Your Kindle” day and I was so intrigued by the blurb that I took a risk.
The risk clearly paid off but there were still some issues. Before I focus on the positives, let’s focus on the negatives!
1. The amount of miscommunication that took place. Some people enjoy the trope, and sometimes I do, but this book made me want to bang my head against a wall and scream at the characters to just talk about things. It felt as though they miscommunicated so much JUST to keep the story going every so often, because if there was less of it, you could’ve had the characters fall in love more gradually and become stronger than what they did in the end.
2. The first couple of times Robert kisses Julia, it felt as if he was forcing her to give him some sort of reaction. When she wasn’t moving her mouth against him, he continued to use his tongue and his hands although it was very well clear that she wasn’t enjoying it and was clearly uncomfortable. Though he never went further, I think he should’ve been more respectful from the get go.
3. There was a big plot hole in my opinion when it came to Vanessa. We didn’t find out what happened in regard to her and the stunt that she pulled? It was a key component in the story in my opinion and yet she just disappeared.
Despite the negatives that I listed above, I do want to mention the numerous positives, and the one being the representation of Down syndrome. It was a delight to see it being represented so respectfully and honestly. It was clear that the author had done her research and done her best to remain respectful at all times. Mary played a key part within the story and one main reason I continued to read it was to know what would happen to her. I think she was such a lovely character and I am so damn happy with how she was treated by tenants and her family. She deserves the world.
Although Robert certainly came across as a fool often, he was also someone who had a good heart. The way he cared for Mary and Julia despite the deal was something that really warmed my heart. He went above and beyond to have a change when it came to the asylum and he made a difference in so many people’s lives. He didn’t care about scandal, he cared about the ones he loved, and that is a real man.
The Dowager Princess! She came across as a right snooty woman but she grew on me and I wish she showed a little more in the epilogue! The way she treated Mary and then Julia was beautiful, and she was a breath of fresh air in a space full of miscommunication and frustration. In all honesty, she was one of the best characters.
Finally, although the characters fell in love straight after sleeping together, I think it worked out for them and they ended up being a solid unit. I think the author would’ve done better if there was less miscommunication but more time for them to fall in love, I think it could’ve made a big difference to the story. I will also be reading the next book because I want to see John happy!
*~*~*~*~*
Arranged Marriage✔️
Down syndrome representation✔️
Marriage of Convenience✔️
This was one of the first historical romances that I’ve actually enjoyed and didn’t want to put down, it was a book that I found on “Stuff Your Kindle” day and I was so intrigued by the blurb that I took a risk.
The risk clearly paid off but there were still some issues. Before I focus on the positives, let’s focus on the negatives!
1. The amount of miscommunication that took place. Some people enjoy the trope, and sometimes I do, but this book made me want to bang my head against a wall and scream at the characters to just talk about things. It felt as though they miscommunicated so much JUST to keep the story going every so often, because if there was less of it, you could’ve had the characters fall in love more gradually and become stronger than what they did in the end.
2. The first couple of times Robert kisses Julia, it felt as if he was forcing her to give him some sort of reaction. When she wasn’t moving her mouth against him, he continued to use his tongue and his hands although it was very well clear that she wasn’t enjoying it and was clearly uncomfortable. Though he never went further, I think he should’ve been more respectful from the get go.
3. There was a big plot hole in my opinion when it came to Vanessa. We didn’t find out what happened in regard to her and the stunt that she pulled? It was a key component in the story in my opinion and yet she just disappeared.
Despite the negatives that I listed above, I do want to mention the numerous positives, and the one being the representation of Down syndrome. It was a delight to see it being represented so respectfully and honestly. It was clear that the author had done her research and done her best to remain respectful at all times. Mary played a key part within the story and one main reason I continued to read it was to know what would happen to her. I think she was such a lovely character and I am so damn happy with how she was treated by tenants and her family. She deserves the world.
Although Robert certainly came across as a fool often, he was also someone who had a good heart. The way he cared for Mary and Julia despite the deal was something that really warmed my heart. He went above and beyond to have a change when it came to the asylum and he made a difference in so many people’s lives. He didn’t care about scandal, he cared about the ones he loved, and that is a real man.
The Dowager Princess! She came across as a right snooty woman but she grew on me and I wish she showed a little more in the epilogue! The way she treated Mary and then Julia was beautiful, and she was a breath of fresh air in a space full of miscommunication and frustration. In all honesty, she was one of the best characters.
Finally, although the characters fell in love straight after sleeping together, I think it worked out for them and they ended up being a solid unit. I think the author would’ve done better if there was less miscommunication but more time for them to fall in love, I think it could’ve made a big difference to the story. I will also be reading the next book because I want to see John happy!
June 27, 2024
I didn't hate this one but I didn't absolutely love it either.
The concept of this book really intrigued me. She is in love with someone but is entered into an arranged marriage against her will and she slowly falls in love with her husband. Heck, yeah! I am all over that.
And for the most part, the author delivered just that. However, it felt like there wasn't enough. I feel like if the author would have put more energy into our couple and their blossoming feelings for one another instead of focusing so much on Julia's "simpleminded" sister, I probably would have enjoyed this book so much more.
Speaking of the sister, I feel like I need to go on a little rant about her presence in this book. It's not that I didn't like her. In fact, there really isn't enough books with special needs characters, so I loved the representation here. I am not going to sit here and say Mary was portrayed wrong or right, because I am not familiar enough with people with her condition, but I will say, her saying "horsies", really rubbed me the wrong way. Mary's character was indeed childish for her age, which is exactly how she was meant to be. However, the major contrast between her normal, everyday speech, to her little obsessive burst of "horsies", seemed out of character for her.
But setting that aside, I feel like Mary overshadowed the romance of this book. I understand that she was a major part and she was needed for some "conflict", but it was just too much. Julia and Robert spent more time fussing over Mary and the asylum than anything else. How was there possibly any room for Julia and Robert to fall in love? But I digress.
I was a little disappointed with the ending. I feel like Julia obsessed with John so much and when it does finally come to the point where she needs to choose, it was so rushed. With as much as she obsessed with John the entire book, I expected a little more of him. Are at least more time for Julia to realize her feelings for him at that time. It was like we were simply told her feelings and then the author moved on. Again, if the author wouldn't have emphasized Mary and all of her woes so much, she could have put more energy in the situation with John.
So at this point Julia makes her choice. I am going to tread carefully here, because I am not in the business of spoiling books.... And again, it seems a bit rushed. Here I was thinking, "finally, we get to the juicy part of making my heart flutter", but nope. It was simply wrapped up and we go on, on our merry way. Cool.
Overall, this book was a lovely idea and I think it had some great bones to work with. I loved the insecurity Robert felt about his wife's heart. I loved the conflict with the mistress. I loved the attitude and judgment from Robert's grandmother. I even enjoyed the issues between Julia and her father and how she handled it in the end. But again, all of those things seemed to be outshined by Mary. It felt like the author forgot who the book was supposed to really be about.
I don't completely hate this book. I think it was pretty well written and it was still interesting enough to hold my attention. However, it did disappoint me some.
The concept of this book really intrigued me. She is in love with someone but is entered into an arranged marriage against her will and she slowly falls in love with her husband. Heck, yeah! I am all over that.
And for the most part, the author delivered just that. However, it felt like there wasn't enough. I feel like if the author would have put more energy into our couple and their blossoming feelings for one another instead of focusing so much on Julia's "simpleminded" sister, I probably would have enjoyed this book so much more.
Speaking of the sister, I feel like I need to go on a little rant about her presence in this book. It's not that I didn't like her. In fact, there really isn't enough books with special needs characters, so I loved the representation here. I am not going to sit here and say Mary was portrayed wrong or right, because I am not familiar enough with people with her condition, but I will say, her saying "horsies", really rubbed me the wrong way. Mary's character was indeed childish for her age, which is exactly how she was meant to be. However, the major contrast between her normal, everyday speech, to her little obsessive burst of "horsies", seemed out of character for her.
But setting that aside, I feel like Mary overshadowed the romance of this book. I understand that she was a major part and she was needed for some "conflict", but it was just too much. Julia and Robert spent more time fussing over Mary and the asylum than anything else. How was there possibly any room for Julia and Robert to fall in love? But I digress.
I was a little disappointed with the ending. I feel like Julia obsessed with John so much and when it does finally come to the point where she needs to choose, it was so rushed. With as much as she obsessed with John the entire book, I expected a little more of him. Are at least more time for Julia to realize her feelings for him at that time. It was like we were simply told her feelings and then the author moved on. Again, if the author wouldn't have emphasized Mary and all of her woes so much, she could have put more energy in the situation with John.
So at this point Julia makes her choice. I am going to tread carefully here, because I am not in the business of spoiling books.... And again, it seems a bit rushed. Here I was thinking, "finally, we get to the juicy part of making my heart flutter", but nope. It was simply wrapped up and we go on, on our merry way. Cool.
Overall, this book was a lovely idea and I think it had some great bones to work with. I loved the insecurity Robert felt about his wife's heart. I loved the conflict with the mistress. I loved the attitude and judgment from Robert's grandmother. I even enjoyed the issues between Julia and her father and how she handled it in the end. But again, all of those things seemed to be outshined by Mary. It felt like the author forgot who the book was supposed to really be about.
I don't completely hate this book. I think it was pretty well written and it was still interesting enough to hold my attention. However, it did disappoint me some.
February 8, 2021
Since her mother’s death and her sister’s banishment to a distant asylum, all Lady Julia wanted was to marry her childhood friend, but their elopement was foiled by her father who then bought her friend a commission in the army. Her father, an Earl wants to sell her into a marriage which will benefit him, so signs a betrothal contract with Robert, Earl of Clydesdale, son of a duke, unbeknown to Julia.
On attending a house party Julia learns of her betrothal, and faces a decision, to accept the betrothal or find a way to escape. On discussing the betrothal with Robert, they try and make a bargain, she will marry him, and he will help free her sister.
So they marry. But then her childhood friend returns.
First book by this author, enjoyed it, you wanted the characters to have a HEA.
On attending a house party Julia learns of her betrothal, and faces a decision, to accept the betrothal or find a way to escape. On discussing the betrothal with Robert, they try and make a bargain, she will marry him, and he will help free her sister.
So they marry. But then her childhood friend returns.
First book by this author, enjoyed it, you wanted the characters to have a HEA.
August 7, 2023
Book: A Deal with the Earl
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Sadie Bosque
Narrator: NA
Genre: Historial Romance
Main Characters: NA
Recommend: No
Spice: 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 16-30+ Years
My feelings:
Unfortunately I didnt like it.
“No, my dear. I think women are more intelligent. But we should be wise enough not to show it and definitely not voice it. At least until after marriage.”
I really wanted to but it just wasn’t for me.
DNF at 70%
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Sadie Bosque
Narrator: NA
Genre: Historial Romance
Main Characters: NA
Recommend: No
Spice: 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 16-30+ Years
My feelings:
Unfortunately I didnt like it.
“No, my dear. I think women are more intelligent. But we should be wise enough not to show it and definitely not voice it. At least until after marriage.”
I really wanted to but it just wasn’t for me.
DNF at 70%
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2021
The first book in the Necessary Arrangements series a well written story that held my interest until the end. Lady Julia and Robert, the earl of Clydesdale's story will have its ups and downs and two people who have to let go of the past if they are to find their happy ending. I enjoyed reading this story. I hope John gets a story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2024
I loved this so much. I’m so excited to read the next ones. I got this book from a Stuff Your Kindle Day and I have no regrets.
Julie is in love with the third son of a baron, John and after a failed attempt at elopement, her father arranged her to marry Robert, the earl of Clydesdale. After much resistant, Julie makes a deal with Robert that she will marry him if he helps her release her sister from the asylum.
So sweet! Also very sexy. Perfect amount of hot yearning and candle light sex
Sadie Bosque you have a new fan in me
Julie is in love with the third son of a baron, John and after a failed attempt at elopement, her father arranged her to marry Robert, the earl of Clydesdale. After much resistant, Julie makes a deal with Robert that she will marry him if he helps her release her sister from the asylum.
So sweet! Also very sexy. Perfect amount of hot yearning and candle light sex
Sadie Bosque you have a new fan in me
Want to read
January 7, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/7/2022)! 🎁
February 14, 2023
I lost interest early on in the book. True love should be true love, not one that disappears and doesn’t stand up to challenges and problems. The heroine is fluffy with no sense of loyalty, love and honour. I skimmed through most of it and the story is disappointing, to say the least.
August 3, 2023
It was ok.
Happy I got it for free on Stuff your kindle day.
Will not read the other books in this series.
Happy I got it for free on Stuff your kindle day.
Will not read the other books in this series.
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