Thought I should spice things up by joining the blog tour for a historical romance novel! Yeahboy, romansa. This is my review stop for A Practical Arrangement by Nadja Notariani. I was hoping this book would be like the classic period romances, which I actually like. Check out my review and enter the giveaway for two Kindle copies!
About the book
Miss Evangeline Grey, intelligent and sensible, has no desire to marry, her reluctance born from the dire warnings of her overly emotional mother. Her father has other ideas, however, and decrees that unless she weds by the spring, he will choose a husband for her.
Prim and proper Evangeline accepts her father’s issue with little more than mild alarm. Knowing herself plain of face and sharp of tongue, she believes herself capable of warding off any perspective suitor. Her plan goes awry when the scandalous seducer, Mr. Thomas Masterson, visits her family’s home, for Thomas has learned that he must procure a wife to receive his full inheritance.
When he discovers Evangeline’s predicament matches his own, Thomas determines to orchestrate a practical arrangement. A war of wit and word results, and Thomas finds himself ever more beguiled by the soft heart he discovers under Miss Grey’s stern, inhibited exterior. Patiently, he endeavors to gain her respect and awaken her passions. As tenuous trust blooms between the rake and the reluctant, unfortunate events – and Thomas’s past reputation – threaten to destroy the peace and happiness he has found within the bonds of his Practical Arrangement.
What can I say, this is a pretty straightforward romance novel. You have your über innocent young lass and then you have the worldly playboy. She brushes him off and fascinates him with her indifference. He pours on his charms and tries to find out what makes her tick. They engage in witty verbal sparring. You know straight away they’re going to end up together.
There are no hidden twists or surprises to this book. The characters are pretty much what you’d expect in historical fiction. You can also pretty much guess where the story is going. There are some sex scenes which I thought the book could’ve done without, but that’s just me. While I did roll my eyes at several things in the book, I quite enjoyed the setting and the language and the whole historical and old-world feel of it. I liked imagining the Victorian ball gowns, antique Camp Trunks, creaky horse carriages and all that. A teeny weeny thing bugged me though and that was the part where Thomas calls Evangeline “baby” in the throes of passion. Baby? Hmm, kinda ruined the whole historical slash period piece slash old world feel for a moment there. But that’s just me again. ;)
I tend to roll my eyes at romance novels or the corny and typical scenes in non-romance books, but this doesn’t mean I don’t read them at all. Sometimes I do feel like reading something romantic and that’s usually when I want something light and easy and just want to entertained. This would be one of those books that would fall in that category. This is simply an entertaining novel and if you’re into somewhat sexy historical romances this is definitely right up your alley.
I received a review copy of this book at no cost and with no obligations. All opinions and views expressed are my own.
About the author
Nadja Notariani was born in Rochester, Pennsylvania. Her upbringing included very diverse environments, affording wide and varied richness of ethnic and religious tradition. Raised in both an Italian/Mediterranean American home and a traditional German household, Nadja gleaned the unique benefits of viewing the world through two widely different lenses. Nadja resides in Northeastern Pennsylvania, ever embracing new adventures with her husband, three sons and faithful German Shepherd. She also boasts two grown daughters, who have flown the nest to pursue their own adventures.
Within her titles, readers can find romance and adventure, from contemporary to paranormal to historical, always with a happily-ever-after. Nadja enjoys hearing from readers and can be found at her website, on Facebook, Goodreads, and at Romance Novel Center. Readers are welcome to contact her via email.