357 reviews for:

The Arrangement

Mary Balogh

3.66 AVERAGE


I'm reading these out of order, but enjoying them nonetheless. Some of my category romance reader fans would be appalled, but when I see something available at the library as an audiobook, I leap and I don't look back. Just like Vincent jumped right into marriage with Sophie without looking back when his fumbling attempts at socializing accidentally resulted in her near banishment from society.

Poor Sophie, little mouse, barely even noticeable in a room, I was worried that she'd never hold her own with Vincent's mother, grandmother, and fleet of sisters, all intent on hen-pecking him to death. She was able to give him what he wanted, not just what he needed, and had the strength of her convictions to work for his independence even if she thought that it might result in being sent away as a result. I admired her for that.

The arrangement itself was rather silly, and that neither felt comfortable enough to dispel with it didn't seem entirely realistic, especially Vincent with his superior social standing. But, I guess it was necessary to continue the tension in the plot. Will either of these cautious with their feelings ninnies ever make the first bold move to declare their love for their spouse?

The answer, dear romance readers, is yes. Of course it is. That's why I love romance.

Working to procuring the rest of this series in short order now.
emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Probably the least problematic romance I've ever read. Just two nice people come together and slowly fall in love with each other.
adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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: Yes

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3.5 stars.
Sophia is a poor relation. Ignored and maligned by her aunt, uncle and cousin. She is used to fading into the background and has no self-esteem.

She meets Vincent when she stops her cousin's attempt to trap him into marriage. As a result she is turned out of her aunt and uncle's home with nowhere to go.

Vincent is an ex-military officer who lost his eyesight in battle. He is only in his early twenties and never imagined marriage at this age. But when he learns of Sophia's situation he proposes an arrangement where they marry and after a year or so go their separate ways to each fulfil their dreams of living peacefully in the country. Getting together periodically for the purposes of providing his estate with an heir.

The two quickly form a bond of friendship which deepens into love as Sophia helps Vincent build his independence away from his well-meaning but micro-managing mother, grandmother and elder sisters. In return Vincent builds up Sophia's self confidence and assures her she is lovely and beautiful and her ideas are important and worth attention.

This book contains descriptive love scenes.

It was heartwarming but also a bit boring...

 ***The following rambling notes are for me. They may contain spoilers or no information at all. Rating are sometimes based on literary merit and sometimes based on vibes.***


Historical romance series about some who were greatly injured by the Napoleonic War and become close friends while recuperating. This novel is about two people seeking independence, but fall in love along the way. 

I really enjoyed this one. A couple of firsts with this book. First Mary Balogh book and first book with a blind main character. I really loved all of the characters, even the ones I wasn’t supposed to like. This book has low angst and drama and really just focuses on the main characters getting together and figuring out if they wanted to stay together in their “marriage of convenience”.
lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

A story about two people looking for independence and finding love along the way. If you are looking for cozy vibes in a historical setting, low stress/no drama, low spice, almost no miscommunication with disability rep here's the book.

I, however, want over the top shenanigans or a bonkers plot in my romances. To me this was easy to read but only ok. I'm glad my curiosity is satisfied but meh, wasn't for me.

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angelrose13's review

4.0
emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

A classic Balogh Book, sweetly written and easily enjoyed! 4 stars because it was good, well written and gave me joy to listen to and learn about these characters.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Very cute. Wish it was longer so they could develop their relationship. Their individual characterization was nice, and complex, the relationship, less so.