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ipariszara's review
3.0
let me try to sum up the story in a sentence: if jack from 50 shades of gray had made better choices, this would be his redemption ark book
redhead_haze's review
5.0
Genre: romance, erotica, NA
Tropes: age gap, relationship based on a signed contract, blackmailing, world of artists, estranged sisters
Trigger Warning: blackmail, attempted suicide
Spice: 3/5
Tropes: age gap, relationship based on a signed contract, blackmailing, world of artists, estranged sisters
Trigger Warning: blackmail, attempted suicide
Spice: 3/5
deluneth's review
3.0
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me access to this book!
To be perfectly honest, I can see why some readers would be interested in this book! It is fast-paced, scandalous, and sexy with enough twists and turns to keep you hooked! Although, I was not overly into this book. And I think I would attribute this to the characters, not the writing style itself.
I did not feel like I could connect with Adelaide and Declan infuriated me until the very end and Jack was just a meh character for me. I did enjoy some moments and my rating is based solely on the end where the characters somewhat redeemed themselves in my opinion ( or maybe I just felt more favorably towards them at this point ? ).
If I did not force myself to finish this book out of pure spite, I believe I would have DNF'd after 5 chapters due to Declan's treatment of Adelaide and the very off-based inner thoughts of Adelaide that had me a little irked to keep reading. These moments still occurred throughout the book, that made other reviewers stop reading, but again I did not want to DNF, no matter how much they put me off.
Maren Mackenzie's debut work is great, for the right audience! I just was not in that category, though I did have some fun reading towards the end when all the plot points begun to happen!
To be perfectly honest, I can see why some readers would be interested in this book! It is fast-paced, scandalous, and sexy with enough twists and turns to keep you hooked! Although, I was not overly into this book. And I think I would attribute this to the characters, not the writing style itself.
I did not feel like I could connect with Adelaide and Declan infuriated me until the very end and Jack was just a meh character for me. I did enjoy some moments and my rating is based solely on the end where the characters somewhat redeemed themselves in my opinion ( or maybe I just felt more favorably towards them at this point ? ).
If I did not force myself to finish this book out of pure spite, I believe I would have DNF'd after 5 chapters due to Declan's treatment of Adelaide and the very off-based inner thoughts of Adelaide that had me a little irked to keep reading. These moments still occurred throughout the book, that made other reviewers stop reading, but again I did not want to DNF, no matter how much they put me off.
Maren Mackenzie's debut work is great, for the right audience! I just was not in that category, though I did have some fun reading towards the end when all the plot points begun to happen!
sk_isheretoo's review
5.0
SO MUCH BETTER THAN WHAT I EXPECTED!!
Plot- 5/5
Spice- 3/5
It's got romance, spice, drama, an actually engaging plot that keeps the reader hooked and wanting for more. I honestly did not want this to be over.
The plot is pretty simple but the way it's written makes it so special. The pace is fast moving and very smooth, so you'll never get bored of it. The characters are full of personality, especially Adelaide- who's battle with her morals and struggles with money, sibling relationships are shown so well. Jack is HOT, the liking to his character totally depends on the reader. Declan is a typical douche who's battling mental health issues (but what he did to Adelaide is still inexcusable). All the three main characters have battles of their own and depth to themselves.
Adelaide and Jack's relationship is so full of chemistry. I found myself rooting for them almost immediately. If you are into age gap romance and fake dating with a bit of spice, this is the one for you. Don't hesitate to pick this one up. This does have a slight vibe similar to the Fifty Shades of Grey but it's not that extensive (there's a contract but no BDSM). You'll find yourself rooting for the couple pretty soon.
The author has written this remarkably well and I'll be looking forward to read more of her works in the future.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and would recommend!
TW- Blackmail, suicide, sexual themes, age gap romance, mental illness, loss.
eARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
Plot- 5/5
Spice- 3/5
It's got romance, spice, drama, an actually engaging plot that keeps the reader hooked and wanting for more. I honestly did not want this to be over.
The plot is pretty simple but the way it's written makes it so special. The pace is fast moving and very smooth, so you'll never get bored of it. The characters are full of personality, especially Adelaide- who's battle with her morals and struggles with money, sibling relationships are shown so well. Jack is HOT, the liking to his character totally depends on the reader. Declan is a typical douche who's battling mental health issues (but what he did to Adelaide is still inexcusable). All the three main characters have battles of their own and depth to themselves.
Adelaide and Jack's relationship is so full of chemistry. I found myself rooting for them almost immediately. If you are into age gap romance and fake dating with a bit of spice, this is the one for you. Don't hesitate to pick this one up. This does have a slight vibe similar to the Fifty Shades of Grey but it's not that extensive (there's a contract but no BDSM). You'll find yourself rooting for the couple pretty soon.
The author has written this remarkably well and I'll be looking forward to read more of her works in the future.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and would recommend!
TW- Blackmail, suicide, sexual themes, age gap romance, mental illness, loss.
eARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
ajsgbf's review
5.0
This was such a well written book and I really enjoyed it.
While there have been several authors that have aimed to create what Ms. Mackenzie did, they have failed and failed spectacularly at that.
What had the potential to irk me (the protagonists age & the fact that she was still in university) ended up not being a nuisance at all. This was entirely owed to the fact that each of the characters was well developed, mature and didn’t come across as frivolous. Most importantly, however, was the fact that the plot was gripping at all times. I never once wanted to move away from this book and finished it fairly quickly.
I look forward to reading more books by Maren Mackenzie.
While there have been several authors that have aimed to create what Ms. Mackenzie did, they have failed and failed spectacularly at that.
What had the potential to irk me (the protagonists age & the fact that she was still in university) ended up not being a nuisance at all. This was entirely owed to the fact that each of the characters was well developed, mature and didn’t come across as frivolous. Most importantly, however, was the fact that the plot was gripping at all times. I never once wanted to move away from this book and finished it fairly quickly.
I look forward to reading more books by Maren Mackenzie.
kchisholm02's review
5.0
I absolutely loved this book! From start to finish, this novel was face paced and engaging; I couldn't put it down. The plot had just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing, but not so many I would get lost along the way and lose focus.
Maren Mackenzie poses a typical college student, Adelaide, faced with something we can all understand and provide sympathy for: looming debt and the fear of where that next paycheck comes from. Adelaide resorts to her own personal strengths--writing--and finds herself at the center of a semi-illegal business. Throughout the rest of the novel we get to experience Adelaide's resourcefulness play through while she tries to balance a new double life.
When Declan, an old friend with a shared history, resurfaces on Adelaide's domain, Adelaide shifts her financial gains focus to more pressing matters. She agrees to aid in Declan's scheme of seducing a well-off, highbrow art enthusiast. Adelaide's only goal: retrieve the lost paintings and help her friend find his spark for creating art again. The only problem? Jack Nolan, preconceived art snob, may not be as cold and appalling as Declan has made him out to be. Becoming increasingly intertwined in a web of lies created by both her and Declan, we bear witness to Adelaide push back against each force waiting and wanting her to fail.
In this novel, Mackenzie has created many complex characters who we get to befriend, empathize, and learn with. Adelaide's character teaches us how intricate and messy family life can be. Declan shows us it's okay to reach out and ask for help when you are struggling because there are always people around you who want to help. Jack exemplifies the epitome of not judging a book by its cover; there is always more to be discovered when you take the chance to get to know someone.
This book deals with mental health, independence, and estrangement. Maren Mackenzie does an commendable job taking each for what they are and showing readers to embrace who they are, and to go out and claim what they want.
Maren Mackenzie poses a typical college student, Adelaide, faced with something we can all understand and provide sympathy for: looming debt and the fear of where that next paycheck comes from. Adelaide resorts to her own personal strengths--writing--and finds herself at the center of a semi-illegal business. Throughout the rest of the novel we get to experience Adelaide's resourcefulness play through while she tries to balance a new double life.
When Declan, an old friend with a shared history, resurfaces on Adelaide's domain, Adelaide shifts her financial gains focus to more pressing matters. She agrees to aid in Declan's scheme of seducing a well-off, highbrow art enthusiast. Adelaide's only goal: retrieve the lost paintings and help her friend find his spark for creating art again. The only problem? Jack Nolan, preconceived art snob, may not be as cold and appalling as Declan has made him out to be. Becoming increasingly intertwined in a web of lies created by both her and Declan, we bear witness to Adelaide push back against each force waiting and wanting her to fail.
In this novel, Mackenzie has created many complex characters who we get to befriend, empathize, and learn with. Adelaide's character teaches us how intricate and messy family life can be. Declan shows us it's okay to reach out and ask for help when you are struggling because there are always people around you who want to help. Jack exemplifies the epitome of not judging a book by its cover; there is always more to be discovered when you take the chance to get to know someone.
This book deals with mental health, independence, and estrangement. Maren Mackenzie does an commendable job taking each for what they are and showing readers to embrace who they are, and to go out and claim what they want.
yourkindredreader's review
A captivating debut novel!
I decided to read this on a whim, and I’m so glad I did! It’s well-written and captures the feelings the story tries to convey. The book is more emotionally charged than I anticipated, which is a pleasant surprise. It expresses how complicated family relationships can be and how words and misunderstandings can shape our decisions positively or negatively. I empathize with Adelaide, who seems never to get a break. She’s far from perfect, but her actions don’t frustrate me because I can understand her actions and her indecisions. I like Jack as well, more and more as the story progresses. Do note that the story has the following:
- age gap romance (22 to his 38)
- blackmail
- talk of suicide, mental health
- death of loved ones (happened before the timeline)
Thank you, NetGalley and Marmack Books, for the e-ARC.
I decided to read this on a whim, and I’m so glad I did! It’s well-written and captures the feelings the story tries to convey. The book is more emotionally charged than I anticipated, which is a pleasant surprise. It expresses how complicated family relationships can be and how words and misunderstandings can shape our decisions positively or negatively. I empathize with Adelaide, who seems never to get a break. She’s far from perfect, but her actions don’t frustrate me because I can understand her actions and her indecisions. I like Jack as well, more and more as the story progresses. Do note that the story has the following:
- age gap romance (22 to his 38)
- blackmail
- talk of suicide, mental health
- death of loved ones (happened before the timeline)
Thank you, NetGalley and Marmack Books, for the e-ARC.
loveydoveyrry's review
3.0
I had this all written down but I swiped down now I have to do this again!
—
I’ll make this short-
Adelaide(fc: N/A):
- She’s smart if she did all those papers for other students and actually had time to do it.
- She annoyed me with keeping secrets and gets mad when Jack keeps secrets like-?!??!
- I don’t have a fc of her.
Jack (fc: Lucas Blom):
- This man is a jerk in the beginning like my god-
- Towards the end of book the thing he did was unexpected but he shouldn’t have held that for so long and I wonder if they did do it.
- He does care for Adelaide I’ll give him that.
—
I honestly didn’t feel the connection between Jack and Adelaide. It wasn’t really giving anything.
There were so many skips and my mind was confused.
During the end I did tear up. I’ll give some points for that.
—
Overall 2.75-3/5 stars. This book felt like I was reading but I wasn’t reading at the same time if you get me.
This book was boring but it did get interesting at some points.
—
I’ll make this short-
Adelaide(fc: N/A):
- She’s smart if she did all those papers for other students and actually had time to do it.
- She annoyed me with keeping secrets and gets mad when Jack keeps secrets like-?!??!
- I don’t have a fc of her.
Jack (fc: Lucas Blom):
- This man is a jerk in the beginning like my god-
- Towards the end of book the thing he did was unexpected but he shouldn’t have held that for so long and I wonder if they did do it.
- He does care for Adelaide I’ll give him that.
—
I honestly didn’t feel the connection between Jack and Adelaide. It wasn’t really giving anything.
There were so many skips and my mind was confused.
During the end I did tear up. I’ll give some points for that.
—
Overall 2.75-3/5 stars. This book felt like I was reading but I wasn’t reading at the same time if you get me.
This book was boring but it did get interesting at some points.
belle13's review
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Tropes: Fake dating, Enemies to lovers
Amount of spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Explicitness: 🌶️🌶️
Setting: Connecticut/New York/London
POV: FMC, 3rd Person
My Overall Thoughts
I was really sad when this book ended. I stayed up until 1.30am glued to the pages. I spent the second half of the book so nervous that Jack was going to find out about her and Declan’s plan - this didn’t ruin my reading experience however. I also spent the first half of the book thinking Jack was an absolute asshole but I actually really liked that I hated him because I felt like I was learning to like him at the same time Addie was. This was a perfect billionaire romance and it was a really well written age gap romance too. Sometimes I find age gap romances a little uncomfortable because of some of the language authors use but Jack and Addie discussed it in a pretty mature way and Jack didn’t come across creepy. Extra points for the ‘looking after her while she's hurt or sick’ trope.
Characters
I really liked Addie in the beginning, she was intelligent, interesting and didn’t take shit from anyone. She did start to annoy me a little as the book went on because I felt like she was a little immature. Jack was a great example of a grumpy brooding MMC. I truly despised him for the first 40% of the book and I wondered how he would redeem himself but he definitely did and I love how his story unfolded.
Supporting Characters
There were some great supporting characters in this book, I just wish we got to see a little more of them. I thought that I wouldn’t like Declan, he did weird me out a little but I found myself wanting to be on his side. I loved the family dynamics towards the end of the book. It was so lovely to see them all come together and it gave me all the warm fuzzy feelings. I wanted to see more of Addie with her family and would have loved an epilogue about all of them.
The Romance
I was initially worried this would be an insta-love situation because they hooked up pretty quickly but it definitely wasn’t. The romance was hot af and so swoony. There was so much sexual tension and even though the spicy scenes were relatively fluffy they wer also some of the better ones I’ve read.
Plot
This was a fast paced book with a few different plot lines running throughout - Declan’s plan to get his paintings back, Addie and Jack’s relationship and Addie’s relationship with her family and I was invested in all of them.
Amount of spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Explicitness: 🌶️🌶️
Setting: Connecticut/New York/London
POV: FMC, 3rd Person
My Overall Thoughts
I was really sad when this book ended. I stayed up until 1.30am glued to the pages. I spent the second half of the book so nervous that Jack was going to find out about her and Declan’s plan - this didn’t ruin my reading experience however. I also spent the first half of the book thinking Jack was an absolute asshole but I actually really liked that I hated him because I felt like I was learning to like him at the same time Addie was. This was a perfect billionaire romance and it was a really well written age gap romance too. Sometimes I find age gap romances a little uncomfortable because of some of the language authors use but Jack and Addie discussed it in a pretty mature way and Jack didn’t come across creepy. Extra points for the ‘looking after her while she's hurt or sick’ trope.
Characters
I really liked Addie in the beginning, she was intelligent, interesting and didn’t take shit from anyone. She did start to annoy me a little as the book went on because I felt like she was a little immature. Jack was a great example of a grumpy brooding MMC. I truly despised him for the first 40% of the book and I wondered how he would redeem himself but he definitely did and I love how his story unfolded.
Supporting Characters
There were some great supporting characters in this book, I just wish we got to see a little more of them. I thought that I wouldn’t like Declan, he did weird me out a little but I found myself wanting to be on his side. I loved the family dynamics towards the end of the book. It was so lovely to see them all come together and it gave me all the warm fuzzy feelings. I wanted to see more of Addie with her family and would have loved an epilogue about all of them.
The Romance
I was initially worried this would be an insta-love situation because they hooked up pretty quickly but it definitely wasn’t. The romance was hot af and so swoony. There was so much sexual tension and even though the spicy scenes were relatively fluffy they wer also some of the better ones I’ve read.
Plot
This was a fast paced book with a few different plot lines running throughout - Declan’s plan to get his paintings back, Addie and Jack’s relationship and Addie’s relationship with her family and I was invested in all of them.
kaitlyngraced's review
5.0
Addie, a senior in college, sells essays to afford the expensive tuition that her estranged family refuses to pay. When she bumps into her old neighbor, Declan, she thinks he’s just a grad student in need of a paper and willing to pay. Unfortunately for her, Declan’s actually a TA in one of her classes and threatens to turn her in unless she transforms herself into an escort capable of catching and keeping the attention of art dealer Jack Nolan. Her mission: find the paintings that Declan claims Jack stole from him. Addie delves deep into Jack’s world, but it soon becomes a race to see if she’ll find the art before her contract runs out and her educational reputation becomes destroyed.
Sometimes I 100% judge a book by its cover and pick something up just because I think it looks pretty. Thankfully this time around, it really worked out. Rules of Arrangement is gritty and mesmerizing – the kind of romance that had a healthy amount of sub-plot without distracting from the main couple. I also tend to get uncomfortable in escort/contract type relationships, but consent was key here. Furthermore, the novel found ways to surprise me, which I find far more entertaining than the typical ‘by the book’ romance. I’m genuinely looking forward to what’s next from Maren Mackenzie.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Marmack Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Sometimes I 100% judge a book by its cover and pick something up just because I think it looks pretty. Thankfully this time around, it really worked out. Rules of Arrangement is gritty and mesmerizing – the kind of romance that had a healthy amount of sub-plot without distracting from the main couple. I also tend to get uncomfortable in escort/contract type relationships, but consent was key here. Furthermore, the novel found ways to surprise me, which I find far more entertaining than the typical ‘by the book’ romance. I’m genuinely looking forward to what’s next from Maren Mackenzie.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Marmack Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!